Vol 6 Issue 52 - April 26 - May 2, 2014

The South Asian Times
e x c e l l e n c e i n j o u r n a l i s m
Follow us on Vol.6 No. 52 April 26-May 2, 2014 60 Cents New York Edition TheSouthAsianTimes.info
Obama reaffirms commitment to ally Japan

Tokyo: President Barack Obama assured ally Japan on Thursday that Washington was committed to its defense, including of tiny isles at the heart of a row with China, but denied he had drawn any new "red line" and urged peaceful dialogue over the islands. His comments drew a swift response from China, which said the disputed islets were Chinese territory. Obama also urged Japan to take "bold steps" to clinch a two-way trade pact seen as crucial to a broad regional agreement that is a central part of the U.S. leader's "pivot" of military, diplomatic and economic resources towards Asia and the Pacific. U.S. and Japanese trade negotiators failed to resolve differences in time for Obama and Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to shake hands on a deal at the summit. The leaders reported Continued on page 4
Narendra Modi waves to supporters on way to filing his nomination papers from Varanasi.
BJP claims a Modi tsunami

Sea of saffron greets Modi in Varanasi
President Obama met with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in Tokyo.
Indians, Asians fast becoming politically relevant in US

Indians are already the third largest Asian community in the US, after Chinese and the Filipinos.
Washington: With Indians and other Asian American and Pacific Islanders growing in number at a fast pace, people of color will be in the majority in the US by midcentury, according to a new report. They are also quickly reaching the critical mass needed to be politically relevant, says the report from the Centre for American Progress and AAPI Data on how the growth of this group will affect a variety of key policy areas from immigration and education to healthcare and the environment. With the IndianAmerican population shooting up 76 % in the first 12 years of the 21st century, they now number 3.34 million and are already the third largest Asian community in the US, after people from China and the Philippines. The report by authors Karthick Ramakrishnan and Farah Ahmad says that the Chinese are still by far the largest group of AsianAmerican population with 4.1 million (22 %). As many as 56 % of the Asian-American population lives in the top five states -California, New York, Texas, New Jersey and Hawaii, the report noted. The largest concentration of Indian-Americans is in California (19 %), New York (12 %) and New Jersey (10 %). Hindus (51 %) are in majority, followed by Continued on page 4
Varanasi: BJP's prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi filed his nomination papers in Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh Thursday after a massive road show that turned the Hindu holy city into a sea of saffron as tens of thousands of his supporters took to the streets. The show of strength dwarfed a similar road show when thousands marched with AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal as he filed his nomination for a high-profile Lok Sabha contest in Varanasi whose third main candidate is Ajay Rai of the Congress. Striking an emotional chord, Modi tweeted that his "coming to Varanasi (to contest the election) is like a child going to his Mother. I have come to this divine land on the call of Ganga Mata... Thank you Varanasi. No words will describe the affection you have showered today". He also promised to clean river Ganga and improve the lot of Varanasi's Muslim weavers, just as he said he had done wonders with the Muslim kite makers of Gujarat. His confidant and in charge of partys election campaign in UP, Amit Shah said after Thursday "the Modi wave had turned into a Modi tsunami" in Uttar Pradesh which will destroy the Congress, Continued on page 4
110 million more voted on Thursday
This election has seen great enthusiasm for voting in the country.
New Delhi: Nearly 110 million people peacefully voted Thursday in 117 Lok Sabha constituencies in 12 states in a multi-phase election that will see three more rounds to decide who gets to govern India in the next five years. Some 60 % of the 180 million electorate exercised their franchise in 201,735 centers to elect 117 MPs from 2,098 candidates, from political parties big and small as well as innumerContinued on page 4
US Affairs 9
Bollywood 16
Books 25
Spiritual Awareness 30
excellence in journalism
April 26-May 2, 2014
INDIAN ELECTIONS
TheSouthAsianTimes.info
The greatest show on earth

Some vignettes from the ongoing parliamentary elections in India, where the eligible voters number over 800 million.
BJP workers performing yagna in Ahmedabad on April 19 to make Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi as prime minister of India. .
AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal campaigning in Amethi for party candidate Kumar Vishwas (right)
A huge crowd of supporters followed Narendra Modis motorcade as he arrived to file his nomination papers in Varanasi on April 24.
People wave as Congress chief Sonia Gandhi's helicopter leaves Pawta in Jaipur district on April 14, 2014. (Inset) Sonia garlanded at a rally in Rae Bareli on April 19.
Supporters showered rose petals as Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi along with sister Priyanka Vadra went to Amethi toi file his nomination papers on April 12.
Overseas Friends of Modi group meeting at Chai pe Charcha organized by Jagdish Sewhani at his home in Old Westbury, NY on April 20 resolved that now is the time to redouble efforts to ensure that Narendra Modi is installed as prime minister.
TRISTATE COMMUNITY
Democrats rush to get rid of tainted Chatwal donations Neal Kwatra hired as chief strategist
Washington: With Indian-American hotel magnate, the high-profile Sant Singh Chatwal, pleading guilty to federal campaign finance fraud, several prominent Democratic leaders are rushing to return or donate to charity cash collected by their major fund-raiser. New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio's campaign said last week it will return more than $15,000 in cash raised by Chatwal, who served on the host committee of at least one of de Blasio's fund-raisers and bundling thousands of dollars on his behalf, New York Observer reported citing records. "Yes, we are returning all funds given or raised by Mr. Chatwal," Jonathan Rosen, who worked for de Blasio's campaign, said. Chatwal has raised funds for several prominent Democratic leaders including Hillary Clinton's 2008 presidential campaign and Senate majority leader Harry Reid. Chatwal, 70, pleaded guilty Thursday in Brooklyn federal court to using straw donors to make more than $180,000 in illegal campaign contributions to three unnamed candidates. Court papers don't identify the recipients of Chatwal's illegal largesse by name, but indicate it dated back at least to 2007. But influential Washington news site Politico cited a source familiar with the investigation as saying the unlawful donations were delivered to Clinton's 2008 campaign, as well as to House member Kendrick Meek's 2010 Senate campaign in Florida and to a campaign by former Senator Chris Dodd, who served as
for Gov Cuomos re-election campaign

New York: The New York state Democratic Committee has hired Indian-American Neal Kwatra as its chief political strategist going into the re-election campaigns for Governor Andrew Cuomo and other party candidates. Kwatra is a former chief of staff to New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman, and has recently launched his own political consulting company, Metropolitan Strategies. He has been recruited by the state Democratic Committee to develop a winning formula for the upcoming November elections, especially in light of concerns about Gov. Cuomos falling popularity ratings. Kwatra is a former political director at New York Hotel and Motel Trades Council and a one-time official at UNITE HERE. His ties to the unions and other liberal groups are seen as very important given Cuomos uneasy relationship with many in the labor com-
A contrite Sant Chatwal after pleading guilty.
head of the Senate India Caucus. A Justice Department press release said: "There is no allegation that the candidates participated in, or were aware of Chatwal's scheme." Chatwal was a major figure among well-heeled Indian-Americans who support Democrats. In the 1990s, Chatwal - then known as the founder of the popular Bombay Palace chain of restaurants in New York - filed for personal bankruptcy and became enmeshed in a dispute over whether he was hiding his assets, the news site reported. Meanwhile, Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe and Senator Mark Warner are also donating to charity funds tied to Chatwal.
Neal Kwatra
munity and the partys progressive wing. In 2010, Kwatra played a key role in the campaigns of Schneiderman, Comptroller Tom DiNapoli, and Gov. Cuomo, according to the Metropolitan Strategies website. At Metropolitan Strategies, he has already been involved in the successful campaign of Ken Thompson for Brooklyn District Attorney.
Indian-American CPA barred from promoting tax scheme

New York: A US federal court has permanently barred Ramesh Sarva, an IndianAmerican CPA based here, from promoting and selling an alleged illegal nationwide tax scheme.Judge Josephine L. Staton of the US District Court for the Central District of California, entered the permanent injunction order, to which Sarva of Little Neck, NY, consented,Westmorelandtimes.com reported. According to the complaint, Sarva has been promoting illegal life insurance welfare benefit plans. These allegedly illegally permitted his customers to both claim substantial tax deductions for their plan contributions and later access the full cash value of their plan contributions by taking out loans against the life insurance policies purchased. The complaint alleged that Sarva's promotion of these unlawful welfare benefit plans deprived the US treasury of significant amounts of tax and subjected his customers to audits and IRS scrutiny. The injunction order bars Sarva from promoting and selling any purported welfare benefit plans. The court also ordered Sarva to provide the US with a list of his customers and to send copies of the injunction order to his customers.
New York: The Consulate General of India in collaboration with the incipient International Punjabi Foundation and The Indian Panorama newspaper organized Vaisakhi celebrations at the Consulate General here on April 16. People of Punjab have been celebrating Vaisakhi as a post harvest entertainment. For Sikhs the day marks the birthday of the Khalsa. The event opened with the screening of a documentary A Journey in Time - produced and directed by The Indian Panorama Editor Prof. Indrajit S. Saluja. The 17-minute documentary covered Vaisakhi, the history of Punjab and the success stories of Punjabis and Sikhs and was much admired by the over 150 people present. In his remarks, Consul General Dnyaneshwar M. Mulay spoke of the greatness of the India and of the great contribution of the Sikhs in building the nation. He said it was imperative to strengthen the bonds between people from various regions and religions in India. It was equally important to integrate with the mainstream in the country of adoption, which did not mean being assimilated. He exhorted the Indian community to maintain their identity and pre-
Vaisakhi celebrated at the Consulate
Prof. Indrajit S. Saluja is joined by community leaders and officials in honoring Consul General Dnyaneshwar M. Mulay. Photo: Mohammad Jaffer/SnapsIndia.
Megha Kalia (middle)s dance group performed Bhangra and Gidha with aplomb.
serve their culture. Dr. I.J. Singh, a well known Sikh scholar, who spoke briefly, pointed out that there was no con-
tradiction in following and practicing one's religion and being a good citizen at the same time. "You can be a good Sikh and a
good American also." On the occasion, those who helped in putting together the event were recognized by the organizers with plaques. They included Herman Singh, Darshan S. Bagga, Ravi Batra, Jarnail S. Gilzian, Harry Singh Bolla, Paramjit S. Bedi, Gurdev DP Singh, Peter Bheddah, Salim Iqbal, Ashok Garg, Pramoda Pattanaik and Srinivas Ranga. The entertainment part of the celebration saw the NYC Bhangra led by Megha Kalia performing Bhangra and Gidha and Punjabi folk songs rendered by Prachi and Surya Makkar.
TURN PAGE
BJP claims a Modi tsunami... Continued from page 1 the Samajwadi Party and the BSP. Modi attracted television cameras like a magnet, leaving rivals fuming at the ease with which the BJP had captured headlines yet again even as the election chuntered on in other parts of Uttar Pradesh and in the far corners of the country. This is the second time the BJP has successfully managed to hog the attention on a poll day. It released its long-delayed manifesto on the first day of polling, April 7, grabbing headlines that would normally have been devoted to turn outs and the odd centenarian voter casting his ballot. N. Gopalaswamy, former chief election commissioner, said there was nothing wrong with a candidate filing his nomination on polling day.
Puducherry (one each). Obama reafrms commitment ... Continued from page 1 progress, but Japan's economics minister, Akira Amari, said later that remaining sticking points could not be resolved quickly. Obama, on the start of a four-nation tour, is being treated to a display of pomp and ceremony meant to show that the U.S.-Japan alliance, the main pillar of America's security strategy in Asia, is solid at a time of rising tensions over growing Chinese assertiveness and North Korean nuclear threats. "We don't take a position on final sovereignty determinations with respect to Senkaku, but historically they have been administered by Japan and we do not believe that they should be subject to change unilaterally and what is a consistent part of the alliance is that the treaty covers all territories administered by Japan," Obama said. "This is not a new position, this is a consistent one," he told a joint news conference after his summit with Abe, using the Japanese name for the islands that China, which also claims sovereignty over them, calls the Diaoyu. Obama also said there were opportunities to work with China - which complains that his real aim is to contain its rise - but called on the Asian power to stick to international rules. Obama was also scheduled to visit South Korea, Malaysia and the Philippines during the course of his trip. Indians, Asians fast becoming... Continued from page 1 Christians (18 %), Muslims (10 %), Sikhs (5 %) and Jains (2 %). Some smaller groups such as BangladeshiAmericans grew at an exceptional rate -- 177 % - between 2000 and 2010. If this rate is maintained, it will have a large impact on the future diversity of the Asian-American community, the report said. The fastest-growing states for Asian Americans are Nevada, Arizona, North Dakota, North Carolina and Georgia, where the populations more than doubled between 2000 and 2012. About 55 % of Asian Americans prefer an activist government that provides more services than a smaller government that provides fewer services. About 58 % of Asian Americans support a path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants.
Vinod Khoslas daughters ex charged with extortion

Los Angeles: Douglas Tarlow, a 27-yearold who dated the daughter of billionaire investor Vinod Khosla, has been charged with extortion. Khosla is the founder of Sun Microsystems and venture capital firm Khosla Ventures, and is worth an estimated $1.5 billion. His daughter Nina and Tarlow reportedly dated from 2008 - 2010 while they were students at Stanford University. During that time, Nina is said to have sent him naked photos and videos via text or instant message, which Tarlow allegedly threatened to make public if the Khoslas didn't pay him off. According to the March 3 court filing, Tarlow was employed by Nina's mother Neeru Khosla's nonprofit and was promised a salary of $125,000. He was fired in early 2012. In mid-2012, Tarlow allegedly complained that he was owed more money by the company and started making threats. That's when the extortion seems to have started. FBI agents last week arrested Tarlow.
London: A group of Indian-origin academics in Britain has slammed the BJP's prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi for his authoritarian nature which they said can only weaken India's democracy. Around 75 academics from universities across Britain, led by Chetan Bhatt of the London School of Economics, Tuesday expressed their collective concern over the upcoming government in India, through a letter, titled 'The idea of Modi in power fills us with dread' to The Independent newspaper in Britain. Among others in the group are Oxford University's Nandini Gooptu and Cambridge University's Joya Chatterji.
Modi a threat to democracy, say Indian-origin academics
110 million more voted on... Continued from page 1 able independents. "Polling was largely peaceful barring a few stray incidents," Deputy Election Commissioner Alok Sinha told the media, after giving the extent of voting across the country. Thursday's balloting marked the No arms, completion of voting in 349 of the 543 elected but this seats in the Lok Sabha. The remaining seats Indian girl will see balloting on three days, the elaborate was intent exercise ending May 12, four days before the on voting in results are declared. election. There was low to massive polling Thursday. While only about 28 % of the 1.3 million voted in Anantnag, a militant hub in the Kashmir Valley and the only constituency to vote in Jammu and Kashmir, over 80 % of the 8.3 million turned up at polling booths in West Bengal. The enthusiasm to vote was palpable everywhere -- as it has been since the nation"We are deeply concerned at the implica- wide election began April 7. In Mumbai, tions of a Modi-led BJP government for India's financial and entertainment capital, democracy, pluralism and human rights in leading industrialists and Bollywood stars stood along with commoners in queues to vote. India," the group said in the letter. All 39 seats in Tamil Nadu and the lone seat Commenting on the opposition BJPs in adjoining Puducherry voted Thursday. The agenda of development for the 2014 general elections, it said that "the Modi-BJP Tamil Nadu verdict is critical for Chief model of economic growth involves close Minister Jayalalithaa Jayaram, who has vowed linking of government with big business, to play a key role in government formation in generous transfer of public resources to the the event of a hung parliament. The states which went to the polls were Tamil wealthy and powerful, and measures harmNadu (39 seats), Maharashtra (19), Uttar ful to the poor". The letter said Modi has Pradesh (12), Madhya Pradesh (10), been embedded in the Hindu nationalist movement, namely the RSS and other Chhattisgarh and Bihar (seven each), Assam Sangh Parivar groups, with their history of and West Bengal (six each), Rajasthan (five), Jharkhand (four) and Jammu and Kashmir and inciting violence against minorities. Strategy and Marketing Jinal Shah P: 315-436-1142 jinal.shah85@gmail.com Marketing & PR (Washington DC) Chander Gambhir, P: 703.717.1667 Jaipur (India) Bureau Prakash Bhandari Prakash@TheSouthAsianTimes.info Photographs: Gunjesh Desai/ masalajunction.com. Xitij Joshi/xitijphoto.com Photo Journalist: Sandeep Ganatra Cartoonist: Mahendra Shah Art and Design: Vladimir Tomovski Bhagwati Creations, Rahul Sahota, Dhiraj Kumar
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TRISTATE COMMUNITY
Montek advises a broad continuation of policies to the new govt

By Jinal Shah
Manoj Vora (third from right) receiving the IJS Award of Excellence Jain children presented an energetic cultural program
International Jain Sangh celebrates Mahavir Jayanti with religious fervor

New Jersey: International Jain Sangh (IJS) celebrated this years Mahavir Jayanti on April 20 with great pomp and show at Edison Hotel Raritan center NJ. Jains from all over NJ participated in the celebration to commemorate the 2613th birth anniversary of Bhagwan Mahavir. The Janam Kalyanak of 24th and the last Trithinkar Bhagwan Mahavir was celebrated with great vigor and enthusiasm by the Jain community with pooja , blessings from spiritual leaders Jainism messages from dignitaries . Program included Mahavir Bhagwan Pooja, Namokar Mantra Paath, Rath Yatra, keynote speakers, dignitaries and guests, essay competition, cultural program, prizes followed by social hour and lunch. A grand colorful Yath Yatra (procession) was taken out on this occasion reflecting the various stories of the 24 Trithankars in Jain religion. The devotees praised lord Mahavir, singing and dancing with the idol of Mahavir Swami that was established and abhishekh ceremony was performed by all. Assemblyman Upendra J. Chivukula honored International Jain Sangh with The State of New Jersey Assembly Commendation. Keynote speaker at the function was Dr. Manoj Vora, who as a Jain vegetarian has made it his mission to propagate peace and coexistence among all communities. He is the only person from Jain faith to have conquered seven summits in seven continents including Mt. Everest in year 2013. He enlightened the attendees by sharing his views on how Jain religion helped him achieve his goals and how the power of Namokar mantra brought energy and support in his mission. He was conferred IJS award of excellence for his achievement in furthering the cause of Jainism. Jain children then presented an energetic cultural program encompassing dances to the tune of bhajans, play and skits. They were recognized and presented with trophies for their performance and participation.The attendees took a pledge for mutual respect and nonviolence at the beginning of the program.
New York: The biggest challenge on policy front is the fight against the perception that a small number of big corporations do cozy deals with the government, Planning Commission Deputy Chairman Montek Singh Ahluwalia said at the daylong India Business Conference organized by Columbia Business School here last Friday. Ahluwalia said post-election, the new government will get a few months time to take initiatives which will not be questioned. But once the honeymoon period is over, all the issues will come up again. He advises that "a broad continuation" of policies will give better results as there is a surprising amount of overlap in what the two major political parties want including keenness to restore investor confidence, no rollback and confidence that India can do well in a global integrated economy. Addressing Columbia students, faculty and entrepreneurs live from India, Ahluwalia pointed to "extraordinary degree of creativity" dispersed in large number of companies across India. He stressed that the widespread opportunity in India to be innovative will make a difference between India getting back from the 5% growth of the last couple of years to hopefully 7%. He wants the incoming government to give high priority to ease of doing business in the country and not just
MasterCard CEO Ajay Banga and Accion CEO Michael Schlein at India Business Conference at Columbia University.
for foreigners but any investor. He added that India is not engaging in top down planning. On whether the Gujarat model is good for India, Ahluwalia stated that this model of development is seen as one having the highest growth rate and attracting foreign capital. The state has a high growth rate but not the highest. Bihar enjoys the highest growth rate. Gujarat traditionally has been a well performing state. Gujaratis are very industrious and innovative and have led the Indian industry for several years. The conference titled Inspiring India featured two diverse panel discussions. First a panel of chefs, TV personalities and restaurant owners talked about the rise of Indian cuisine as both a world staple and a successful business. Zoravar Kalra (restaurant owner), Hemant Oberoi (Taj Hotels), Rajesh Bhardwaj (Junoon NYC) and Payal Saha Continued on page 13
100 Punjabi youths still detained for illegal entry

Washington, DC: An Indian-American community organization has sought the intervention of US lawmakers for securing the release of about 100 Punjabi youths detained by US immigration authorities in Texas for entering the US illegally. Only 37 of the detainees at US Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) El Paso Processing Centre in Texas had gone on a hunger strike earlier this month, but all of them have since called off their protest at its intervention, North American Punjabi Association (NAPA) stated Monday. The youths were arrested while crossing the US Border illegally at different times between January and November 2013, Satnam Singh Chahal, executive director of the Milpitas, California based organization said in an email. Chahal has also written to several law makers including Democrat House members John Garamendi and Mike Honda and Democrat Senator Barbara Boxer seeking their intervention to get the detainees released on "parole or on bonds as soon as possible." Chahal said all of the detainees "are said to be members of a minority political party in Punjab who fled India because they are said to have fear to their lives." ICE is legally bound to release these detainees as soon as they have proven their true identities and reasons for entering US, he wrote.
Event Promotion
Are You a Spiritual Person?

Then the International Guru Poornima is a 'Must-Attend' event for YOU.
The International Guru Poornima in New Jersey is such an important event that it is drawing over 400 attendees from India and overseas. The International Guru Poornima will be celebrated in the divine presence of Brahmrishi Sri Guruvanand Ji Swami Gurudev who has reached the pinnacle of spirituality by invoking all Chakras of his Kundalini. Invoking Kundalini unleashes immense divine energy. Gurudevs divine energy is at its peak on Guru Poornima and Gurudev gives his personal blessings to everyone present. His blessing will uplift your soul and bring long-lasting peace for you and your family.
Hate crime charge against Columbia professor's attacker

New York: New York police have 20 young men, Spectator said. arrested a 20-year-old man in conAt the time, the men "made antinection with an attack on a Sikh Muslim statements and then they professor last September and began punching the victim in the charged him with a hate crime. face." The attackers dispersed after Christian Morales was charged three passersby called for help, the with aggravated harassment and daily said citing the police. committing a hate crime in the atDespite suffering a broken jaw tack on Columbia University and bruising, Singh returned to School of International and Public work the following Tuesday. Affairs professor Prabhjot Singh, at Prof Prabhjot Singh He was optimistic at a press cona court appearance Saturday, Daily was assaulted on ference held that Monday, where Sept 21, 2013 Columbia Spectator reported. he said that he would invite his atWhile the investigation is still ongoing, tackers to his place of worship and teach them Morales who was arrested late April 18 night is about Sikhism, the newspaper recalled. the only person in custody, a New York Police "I think it's critical to see that this is not the Department spokesperson said. community we expect, and certainly not the Singh, an observant Sikh who wears a turban country we expect," Singh was quoted as sayand has a beard, was walking with a friend ing at the press conference. along 110th Street near Lenox Avenue in "It's not the Harlem I know, and it's certainly Harlem on the evening of Saturday, Sep 21, not going to change how I move around that when he was approached by a group of around neighborhood."
Prasad (dinner) will served following the event. Registration is required to receive your complimentary admission pass. Over 60% registrations already received, so register today to avoid The South Asian Times disappointment.
e x c e l l e n c e i n j o u r n a l i s m
DATE AND TIME:

JULY 12, 2014 FROM 3 PM-8 PM
VENUE:
New Jersey Performing Arts Center 1 Center Street, Newark, NJ 07172
To register visit:
www.GuruPoornima2014.com
Or call 516-484-0018
NATIONAL COMMUNITY
Dr Sandhya Malhotra seeks support for MSCQ board elections

New York: Dr Sandhya Malhotra, an attending anesthesiologist is looking for community support for her placement in the Medical Society for the County of Queens (MSCQ). Physicians and residents who are India Association of Long Island community members and members of MSCQ can write in her name for the Board of Trustees member and Queens delegate; 'sandhya malhotra MD X' and also place an X near her name on the delegate list and leave the other trustee box blank. Dr Malhotra has taught and worked at major university hospitals in New York, including Montefiore Medical Center and New York Hospital Medical Center of Queens. She served on the faculty of the Albert Einstein College of Medicine. As President of the Academy of Medicine and the Medical Society of the County of Queens in 2012-2013, Dr. Malhotra was instrumental in developing educational programs for physicians, staff, and the community. She worked closely with local legislators to address the evolving concerns of the physicians of Queens County. She launched the Ask the Doc free educational programs for the public and has lectured on healthmember of MSSNYPAC and serves on its speakers panel. A member of the ASA and New York State Society of Anesthesiologists, she is serving on the 2013-2014 NYSSA reference committees on government and legal affairs; and retirement. Dr. Malhotra has a passion for community service, education and the arts. She resides in Queens; her daughter, Gayatri, is a medical student. Dr. Malhotra has volunteered for community organizations including Beacon, New York Junior Tennis League, and public school PA boards; was elected PA President for UNIS and served on its Executive Committee. She has been a pioneer in promoting and preserving the Indian culture, language and heritage in the United States. She has organized free programs for children and coordinated numerous events and benefits. She has served as editor of arts and health for SA Insider and on the advisory board of Educators Publishing Service Inc. She is a founding member and serves on the board of A. Vishwa Hindi Samiti, the literary magazine Saurabh and the Vishwakids magazine. She also serves on the Board of Directors for World Music Institute of New York.
IN BRIEF
NYSPA elects Seeth Vivek as new President

YSPA has announced election of Seetharaman (Seeth ) Vivek, MD, DLF, APA as its incoming President. This is the first time that a foreign born physician has been elected to this high position. NYSPA represents psychiatrists training and practicing in New York state and is the largest state branch of the American Psychiatric Association. Dr. Vivek is currently Chairman of the Departments of Psychiatry and Addiction Services at Jamaica and Flushing Hospitals in Queens, NY. He trained at the National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences, Bangalore, India prior to moving to the USA. He completed his Residency at the Mount Sinai Hospital Services at Elmhurst, and
Dr Seetharaman Vivek
Dr Sandhya Malhotra
care topics at schools and community centers. Under her leadership, the Academy renewed its full accreditation as a Continuing Medical Education (CME) provider and conducted jointly sponsored programs with diverse organizations. Dr. Malhotra serves on a number of committees in Queens; and chairs the CME Committee. She is a delegate from Queens to the Medical Society State of New York (MSSNY) and is a member of its CME committee and subcommittee on education and surveys. She served on the MSSNY House of Delegates reference committees: public health and education in 2012; and officers and administrative affairs in 2013. She is
Fellowship at Albert Einstein University. During his career he has served in various clinical, teaching and administrative roles. He has served as an Examiner for the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. He is a Founder- Member of the Indo American Psychiatric Association.
IACFNJs Spring Color Festival in South Brunswick on May 18

ndo-American Cultural Foundation of Central Jersey - IACFNJ is organizing first community event Spring Color Festival on May 18 from 1-7 p.m at Reichler Park in South Brunswick, NJ. Radio Guru Kulraaj Anand of EBC Radio 1170 AM will be the emcee for the event. The event will celebrate spring after long winter months
South Nassau Cancer Program Medical Director Dr. Datta named Super Doctor
No more than 5% of New Yorks physicians achieve this designation
Oceanside, NY: Prominent surgical oncologist Rajiv Datta, MD, has been named a 2014 New York Super Doctor. No more than 5% of physicians in the New York metro region have achieved this designation, which is given by Key Professional Media, a leading research and medical ranking organization. Dr. Datta is chair of the department of surgery and medical director of the Gertrude & Louis Feil Cancer Center at South Nassau Communities Hospital. His exceptional skills are evidenced by his education and recognition in the field of surgery: he has the unusual distinction of holding three fellowships, as a fellow of the prestigious International College of Surgeons, the American College of Surgeons and the Royal College of Surgeons. Dr. Datta is also a member of the editorial board of International Surgery, the official journal of the International College of Surgeons (ICS), and served as the president of the Nassau County Surgical Society in 2009. Dr. Dattas areas of expertise include cancers of the colon/rectum, endocrine system, breast and head and neck; soft tissue sarcoma and melanoma; upper gastrointestinal and colorectal procedures; tracheal and esophageal surgeries and radio frequency ablation for liver tumors. Not only does he hold the aforementioned South Nassau titles, he is also director of its division of surgical oncology and head and
and also mark festival of Holi in an outdoor setting with lots of color playing, cultural dances and many more fun-filled activities for all age groups. The food stalls with authentic food from Gujarat, South and North India and lots of other delicacies and clothes and jewelry vendors will be set up at the park. The admission is free to all and open for everyone.
New Hindu Temple coming up in West Chester
neck surgery. A Castle-Connolly New York Metro Area Top Doctor for seven consecutive years, Dr. Datta is actively involved in numerous clinical trials that are both federally and privately funded.
n April 7 on the auspicious day of Ashtami Sukla, the White Plains City Common Council, with a unanimous decision, granted the final approval for the construction of a Hindu Temple at 390 North Street, White Plains, New York. The Hindu community thanked Mayor Thomas Roach and the White Plains City commissioners for their guidance and support in approving the temple plans. The community is now ready to move to the next phase of the temple project. Dipti Shah, architect will be filing for a construction permit so that construction can begin during
the summer of 2014. In a press release trustees of the temple thanked the community for acknowledging their efforts with the many congratulatory emails, texts and Facebook messages. They request everyone to speak to their friends, neighbors alliances and as many people they can to spread the word about the forthcoming temple and encourage their participation in their functions. Anyone wishing to contribute, can send their donations to HTTI at 77 Knollwood Road, White Plains, NY 10607. Visit WWW.HINDUTEMPLEOFTRISTATES.COM
NATIONAL COMMUNITY
Prof Rajendra Singh conferred "Solar Champion of Change" award

Washington, DC: White House has named Indian-American professor Rajendra Singh as one of ten "Solar Champions of Change" who are taking the initiative to spur solar deployment across America. Rajendra Singh is D. Houser Banks Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering and director of Clemson University's Center of Silicon Nanoelectronics in South Carolina. "Today, the White House is celebrating ten Solar Champions of Change who are driving policy changes at the local level to expand energy choices for Americans, grow jobs, and add new clean energy to the grid," a White House announcement said. The champions include community leaders helping to reduce permitting times, business owners looking for a cleaner energy source, or homebuilders looking to offer new, renewable options for their customers, it said. According to a Clemson University release Singh is leading the charge across the country to create jobs and economic opportunity in solar power and driving policy changes at the local level to further advance solar deployment. Singh devoted his doctoral thesis research to solar cells in 1973 during the Arab oil embargo and in the last 40 years he has served as a visionary leader to advance the technology of photovoltaic (PV) module manufacturing. "The vision I had in 1980 is happening only now, 30 years later," Singh said. "The economic crisis of 2008, followed by recession or low economic growth in developed economies and high growth in emerging economies, has changed the landscape of energy business all over the world." As part of the Climate Action Plan launched by President Barack Obama in 2013, the US has observed a recordbreaking year for new solar installations, increasing almost 11-fold, which is enough to power more than 2.2 million American homes.
For last 40 years Prof Rajendra Singh has served as a visionary leader advancing photovoltaic (PV) module manufacturing technology
Chet Kanojias Aereo vs top US broadcasters battle heats up

Washington, DC: In what has been dubbed as a David vs Goliath case, an India-born technocrat has taken America's largest broadcasters, who claim his start-up's television streaming service is a theft, to the Supreme Court. The apex court Tuesday heard arguments from the attorney of Aereo, an online TV platform founded by Chaitanya 'Chet' Kanojia, in defence of the legality of its television streaming service and explaining the logic underpinning it. The arguments summarized two years of legal tussling between Aereo, which provides streams of local television stations to paying subscribers, and the owners of those stations, according to CNNMoney. The TV station owners, major media companies like Disney and CBS, say that Aereo is violating copyright by allowing "public performances" of shows. Aereo says it is only enabling private screenings, just like off-the-shelf TV antennas do. Several of the justices, in their questioning, repeatedly expressed concerns that a broad ruling against Aereo would imperil the nascent cloud computing industry because of how Aereo works, CNNMoney said. They seemed to search for a way to avoid that outcome, it said. The justices are expected to issue a ruling by early summer. The formal issue before the Supreme Court is "whether a company 'publicly performs' a copyrighted television program when it retransmits a broadcast of that program to thousands of paid subscribers over the Internet." Using thousands of miniature TV antennas, Aereo scoops up the freely available signals of local stations. Then it delivers the signals to smart phones, tablets or computers via the Internet. Subscribers pick what to watch through a traditional on-screen guide. They can also record shows and stream them later. The outcome of the case could have important implications for Internet streaming, cloud computing, and the future of the TV industry itself, Time magazine said. "If the Supreme Court rules that Aereo's service is legal, the decision could throw a wrench into the highly lucrative broadcast business model, in which cable and satellite companies pay billions to the TV companies for the right to broadcast popular programming," it said. Such retransmission fees are projected to reach $4 billion this year and $7.6 billion by 2019, Time said citing research firm SNL Kagan.
A new player challenges Nikki Haley in South Carolina

Washington, DC: South Carolina's Indian American Governor Nikki Haley faces a new challenge in her re-election bid with a former judge named Tom Ervin joining the race as an independent. Born Nimrata Nikki Randhawa, the 42-year-old daughter of immigrant Sikh parents from Punjab is considered one of the Republican party's "brightest stars, a dynamo fundraiser and a favourite of national Republicans eager to showcase diversity in their ranks," according to CNN. But the entry of Ervin in the race besides her Democratic challenger, state Senator Vincent Sheheen "might have made Haley's path to victory more complicated" the news channel said noting Ervin's campaign is threatening to raise at least $6 million. "We're going to spend whatever it takes," Ervin told CNN. "I am going to tell the truth to the people of South Carolina." Ervin first filed to run against Haley in the Republican primary in March. But he soon dropped out of the primary and announced his independent bid, saying there wasn't enough to time to mount a credible Republican campaign before the June 10 primary. Haley's campaign was quick to diminish Ervin as a "liberal trial lawyer," according to CNN. "We appreciate Mr. Ervin's desire for public service, but a trial lawyer and former Democratic lawmaker who wants to raise taxes and embrace Obamacare should probably be running as a Democrat," Haley spokesman Rob Godfrey was quoted as saying.
Chet Kanojia
John Travolta to attend IIFA

Mumbai: Hollywood star John Travolta, of "Saturday Night Fever" and "Grease" fame, will attend the 15th International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) weekend and awards in Tampa Bay, Florida starting Wednesday. He will also be honored with the 'Most Popular All time International star in India award. The two-time Academy Award nominee and two-time Golden Globe winner's presence at IIFA is symbolic of the coming together of the two distinctive film industries Hollywood and Bollywood, said a statement issued by the event's organizers Monday. Travolta will grace the extravaganza, which is making its US debut this year. An iconic name in Hollywood, Travolta, 60, has seen stupendous success as an actor, singer and dancer. He has starred in hits like "Pulp Fiction", "Swordfish", "Face Off",
John Travolta will be honored with Most Popular All time International star in India award
"Broken Arrow" and "Ladder 49". The green carpet for IIFA will roll out in Tampa Bay Wednesday and the culminating awards night will be held Saturday.
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NATIONAL COMMUNITY
IN BRIEF
Domestic Harmony Foundations annual fundraiser gala on May 4

omestic Harmony Foundation (www.dhfny.org) has announced its 6th Annual Fundraiser Gala to be held at North Ritz Club, Syosset, NY on May 4. DHF is an independent non-profit organization that provides services to individuals and families irrespective of creed, culture, ethnicity, or gender seeking relief from domestic violence and other human rights violations. DHF works to empower survivors of domestic violence by providing services through education, leadership development, advocacy, and community outreach. Dynashwar Mulay, Consul General of In-
Xoom launches Instant Deposit Service to HDFC bank accounts in India

oom Corporation, a leading digital money transfer provider, has partnered with HDFC Bank Limited to offer instant deposits to INR denominated HDFC Bank accounts in India. This breakthrough service allows Xoom customers to instantly deposit money directly into their recipients HDFC Bank accounts in India. The instant service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year-even on banking holidays. Unlike other transfer services to India which typically take five days or more, Xoom is relentlessly working towards providing instant for all of our services, and we are excited to launch instant deposits to HDFC Bank, said Julian King, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Corporate Development for Xoom. This is great news for people who send money to HDFC Bank accounts. Now NRIs can send money anytime, anywhere from their computer, mobile phone or tablet and their bank deposits reach their recipients HDFC Bank account in-
dia, New York will be the keynote speaker. Hazel Weizer, Esq., assistant dean for graduate programs at New York Law School will be honored with Friend of DHF Award.She has been a law professor, an associate and assistant dean, and an acting dean at several law schools. During the last thirteen years of working with Domestic Harmony Foundation, she has advised the board, trained staff and clients. Saad Haroon, an accomplished stand-up comedian, performer, producer and writer will perform at the event. Hofstra students will present Break the Chain performance too.
Dr Pawan Kumar Jain indicted for causing death of two patients
n Indian-American doctor in New Mexico has been arrested following his indictment by a federal grand jury alleging unlawfully dispensing of prescription drugs resulting in the deaths of two patients, and health care fraud. Pawan Kumar Jain, 61, who has been charged with 61 counts of unlawfully dispensing controlled substances and 50 counts of health care fraud, could face a sentence of life in prison if convicted, according to local Las Cruces Sun-News. Jain, who had been a licensed physician with a neurology subspecialty, operated a pain management clinic in Las Cruces, New Mexico, until his medical license was suspended in June 2012 and subsequently revoked in December 2012
by the New Mexico Medical Board. According to the indictment, Jain dispensed 540 tablets (40 mg) of oxycodone and 405 tablets (10 mg) of methadone to the patient between April 22 and Sep 29, 2009. Counts 3 and 4 allege that Jain's unlawful dispensing of oxycodone and fraudulent conduct resulted in the death of a second patient. The maximum statutory penalty for a conviction on each of the 61 dispensing charges is 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine. Because the criminal conduct charge allegedly resulted in the deaths of two patients, Jain could be subject to enhanced sentencing on the first four counts.
stantly. We look forward to bringing a whole new world of convenience and flexibility to our account holders, allowing them to receive money from the US in a secure manner, at any time of the day or night, says Rajender Sehgal, Group Head, Financial Institutions Group, HDFC Bank. Xoom provides great locked-in exchange rates for money transfers to India, and there is no fee when customers send more than $1,000 and pay with their U.S.-based bank account. Plus, Xoom continues to provide fast bank deposits within four hours to all other banks in India, including to NRE and NRO accounts, when sent during bank processing hours in India.
This novel chemistry kit for kids worth experimenting with!
n Indian-origin researcher at Stanford University has developed a clever chemistry kit for your kid that he/she would love to use, even if he/she hates the subject! Manu Prakash, a bioengineer at Stanford, has developed a new hand-crank operated chemistry set for kids that won him $50,000 (Rs.30 lakh) as first prize in a contest for inspiring science toys. According to Prakash, such devices would provide an alternative to the more scripted interactions with science most kids encounter in the classroom. The contest was sponsored by the Gordon
and Betty Moore Foundation and the Society for Science and the Public. The chemistry kit uses micro-fluidic channels like those found in modern DNA chips and other molecular biology equipment to move chemicals around and mix them together. It is purely mechanical. There is no electronics, no battery, Prakash noted. The device could do anything from classroom standards like precipitation reactions and titrating acids and bases to testing soil samples for toxic chemicals, said a wired.com report.
National Campaign launched to raise Sikh visibility, change perception
ikh business and community leaders across the country gathered in Washington D.C. to form the National Sikh Campaign, an undertaking that will tackle the growing misperceptions of Sikhism since 9/11 and highlight the impact Sikh Americans have made in America. Sikhs in this country have had a tough time since 9/11. From hate crimes to a Wisconsin terrorist attack, our community has continued to be the target of unjust hate yet we have lacked the voice to change these perceptions and raise the profile of Sikhs in America, said Gurwin Singh Ahuja, Executive Director of the National Sikh Campaign. Well, that is about to change. We are creating an organized movement to raise Sikh awareness by focusing on the positive contributions Sikhs make in this country. This campaign will highlight how Sikhs are a part of the American success story, illustrating the similarities Sikh values have with American values. The campaign is exploring a partnership with AKPD, the media firm that helped elect prominent leaders such as Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, New York Mayor Bill De Blasio and President Barack Obama. Furthermore, AKPD was founded by David Axelrod, former top political advisor to President Oba-
ma, and stands as one of the most prominent and successful media firms in the nation. We hope to work with AKPD to help advertise our message across the nation in order to change the narrative of Sikhs in the U.S. from victims of hate crimes to leaders in society. This is totally unprecedented and will require our whole communitys effort, said Dr. Rajwant Singh, Chairman of the Sikh Council on Religion and Education (SCORE). The goal of this campaign will be to reach out to various Gurdwaras, organizations and stakeholders within America and internationally to create the largest PR effort ever for Sikhism. The campaign plans to engage individuals across the U.S. while providing grassroots organizing throughout Sikh communities.
US AFFAIRS
Obama travels to Asia as disasters complicate mission

Tokyo: President Obama arrived here on Wednesday evening to begin a four-country tour of Asia, after first stopping in Washington State to survey the devastation left there by last months deadly mudslide. It was a fitting start, given that everywhere on this trip, he will witness the lingering fallout of disasters, natural and man-made. From South Korea, where public outrage is surging in the wake of a ferry accident that has claimed the lives of scores of teenagers, to Malaysia, where the authorities face harsh scrutiny over their handling of a missing jetliner, Obama will encounter leaders under pressure from angry, often grief-stricken constituents. In the Philippines, the government has labored to recover from withering criticism of its botched response to Typhoon Haiyan last fall. Even here in Japan, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was tripped up by the 2011 Fukushima nuclear disaster, faulted last summer for playing down a leakage of highly radioactive water from the plant. Relations between South Korea and Japan have been deeply strained lately, with the two sides replaying World War II-era grievances. Earlier this month, Obama brokered a carefully orchestrated
Indophile and Prince Charles brother-in-law dies after fall in NY

New York: Mark Shand, the brother of Camilla Parker Bowles, Prince Charles wife, died Wednesday after falling and smashing his head on the pavement outside a New York nightclub. Shand had been attending an after party for following an auction for his charity, Elephant House, which helps save endangered elephants. "The duchess, the Prince of Wales and all her Mark Shand with Tara the elephant in India family members are utterly dev- TV features are Indo-Nostalgic. astated by this sudden and tragic He had a deep interest in the Hinloss," said Clarence House, resi- du religion and Indian culture. dence of the Prince of Wales in Shand was actively involved in the conservation of the Asian eleLondon. The conservationist and travel phant and co-founded a charity writer had attended the charity called Elephant Family. He also auction at Sotheby's in New York. wrote a book about his adventure Being an unabashed Indophile, with "Tara" (his elephant) the majority of his writings and in India.
President Obama bows to Japans Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko at their meeting.
meeting between the two countries leaders in The Hague that was meant to clear the air. The United States would like to announce progress, if not a signed deal, in trade negotiations with Japan during the visit, to help bolster an American-led regional trade pact known as the Trans-Pacific Partnership. Japan won a symbolic boost from Mr. Obama when he reaffirmed that a clump of disputed islands in the East China Sea that are at the center of tense standoff between
Japan and China are covered under the mutual defense treaty between the United States and Japan. We oppose any unilateral attempts to undermine Japans administration of these islands, Mr. Obama said in a written answer to questions from the Yomiuri Shimbun newspaper. In Seoul, administration officials said, Mr. Obama hopes to increase pressure on North Korea, which has reverted to a pattern of missile tests and other provocative actions.
US Supreme Court favors ban on affirmative action

Washington: The US Supreme Court has determined that Michigan voters had a right to approve a state constitutional amendment banning the use of race-conscious preferences as part of the admissions process for state universities. While the justices agreed 6-2 with the decision issued Tuesday, they did not necessarily agree on the reasons. A dissenting opinion was filed by Justice Sonia Sotomayor, joined by Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Ken Gormley, dean and professor at the Duquesne University School of Law, said, "I don't think this changes the landscape very much in the area of racial preferences under the constitution. A plurality decision has less weight, by definition, because there is really not a majority of the court agreeing," he said. Attorney Olabisi Okubadejo, who is with the Baltimore office of a law firm that represents colleges and universities on civil rights compliance issues, including some in Pennsylvania, said, "It's very clear where the court has come out. The court has said the ban enacted by the voters is OK. What is less clear is exactly why it's OK under the constitution, and it's also not clear what this will mean for future cases." Mr. Gormley sees some commonality: "The theme that runs throughout it is this is really a matter that must be worked out through the political process."
Teen stowaway's father says Allah protected son

Santa Clara, CA: The father of a teen stowaway who survived a five-and-a-half hour flight to Hawaii this week hidden in a jetliners wheel well said Allah saved him from the dangers and extreme temperatures. When I watched the analysis about the extraordinary and dangerous trip of my son on local TVs and that Allah had saved him, I thanked God and I was very happy, Abdilahi Yusuf Abdi, who lives in Santa Clara, CA, told VOAs Somali service Wednesday. Authorities have not named the teen who flew Sunday from San Jose to Maui in the wheel compartment of a Hawaiian Airlines jet and likely passed out, enduring below zero temperatures and low oxygen levels. The father identified his son to VOA as Yahya Abdi and said he is recovering in a Hawaii hospital. In Maui, the teen crawled out of the wheel well about an hour after the Boeing 767 landed and was spotted by airport workers on the tarmac. He remains in the custody of Hawaii child welfare services workers. According to media reports in Hawaii and California, the boy jumped a fence at San Jose airport Sunday ngiht and remained on the tarmac for six hours without being spotted by authorities. Authorities say surveillance footage shows the teen jumping the fence. When asked what forced the teen to take the risky trip, the father said: He had learning challenges at school. He was always talking about going back to Africa, where his grandparents still live, he said.
New house sales tumble, hint at weak market

New York: Sales of new U.S. single-family homes tumbled to their lowest level in eight months in March, dashing hopes for a quick turnaround for a sector that fell into a soft patch last summer. The Commerce Department said on Wednesday sales dropped 14.5 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 384,000 units. It was the second consecutive monthly decline and the biggest since July, which was also the last time sales were so slow. Sales were down 13.3 percent from a year ago, marking the largest year-on-year decline since April 2011. Economists, who had expected sales to increase, said the drop suggested some fundamental weakness in the market, although unusually cold weather had also dampened activity. "The weak tone of this report is a bitter pill for those, including ourselves, who have been looking for signs of a spring thaw in the housing recovery," said Millan Mulraine, deputy chief economist at TD Securities in New York. U.S. housing stocks took a beating on the dour report, with the S&P 500 Homebuilding Index dropping more than 1.5 percent. An index of smaller builders tumbled more than 4.5 percent. Luxury home builder Toll Brothers fell 1.8 percent and DR Horton, the largest U.S. homebuilder, dropped 2.5 percent. The housing market was slammed by the unusually cold and snowy winter, but higher mortgage rates, a run-up in prices and a shortage of properties that limited options for buyers have also cut into activity. New home sales last month dived in the Midwest and the South, where unusually cold weather lingered early in the month. They also fell in the West. While sales in the Northeast rose, they failed to recoup even half of the prior month's 33.3-percent plunge.
Comedy Centrals Stephen Colbert takes a selfie with host David Letterman on the set of the Late Show with David Letterman Tuesday. Letterman is vacating the show next year, ending a 30-year run, and will pass the baton to Colbert.
10
BATTLEGROUND 2014
110 million vote, BJP says it's 'Modi tsunami'

New Delhi: Nearly 110 million people peacefully voted in 117 Lok Sabha constituencies in 12 states on April 24 in a staggered election that will see three more rounds to decide who gets to govern India the next five years. Some 60 percent of the 180 million electorate exercised their franchise in 201,735 centers to elect 117 MPs from 2,098 candidates, from political parties big and small as well as innumerable independents. "Polling was largely peaceful barring a few stray incidents," Deputy Election Commissioner Alok Sinha told the media, after giving the extent of voting across the country. Thursday's balloting marked the completion of voting in 349 of the 543 elected seats in the Lok Sabha. The remaining seats will see balloting on three days, the elaborate exercise ending May 12, four days before the results are declared. There was low to massive polling Thursday. While only a quarter of the 1.3 million voted in Anantnag, a militant hub in the Kashmir Valley and the only constituency to vote in Jammu and Kashmir, over 80 percent of the 8.3 million turned up at polling booths in West personnel - injured in an attack by separatist guerrillas in Shopian district. In Rajasthan, villagers clashed with security forces in Dausa and torched a government vehicle. Some reporters were also attacked and their camera equipment destroyed. A woman election officer died of heart failure in Thane, near Mumbai. The enthusiasm to vote was palpable everywhere -- as it has been since the nationwide election began April 7. In Mumbai, India's financial and entertainment capital, leading industrialists and Bollywood stars stood along with commoners in queues to vote. All 39 seats in Tamil Nadu and the lone seat in adjoining Puducherry voted Thursday. The Tamil Nadu verdict is critical for Chief Minister Jayalalithaa Jayaram, who has vowed to play a key role in government formation in the event of a hung parliament. The states which went to the polls were Tamil Nadu (39 seats), Maharashtra (19), Uttar Pradesh (12), Madhya Pradesh (10), Chhattisgarh and Bihar (seven each), Assam and West Bengal (six each), Rajasthan (five), Jharkhand (four) and Jammu and Kashmir and Puducherry (one each).
Widows of Vrindavan casting their vote. The balloting marked the completion of voting in 349 of the 543 elected seats in the Lok Sabha.
Bengal. In Assam, a policeman was killed when a mob stoned a group of security personnel in
Kokrajhar constituency, while in Jammu and Kashmir, a polling officer was killed and five others - two polling staff and three security
Varanasi comes to a halt as Modi juggernaut rolls
Modi, Kejriwal among Time's 100 influential people

Washington: Bharatiya Janata Party's prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi and Aam Aadmi Party leader Arvind Kejriwal have made it to Time 100 list of the world's most influential people along with Indian novelist Arundhati Roy. While Modi figures in the category of "leaders", Kejriwal is listed among the "pioneers" and Roy makes the grade among "icons" in the annual list released Narendra Modi files his nomination papers from Thursday after an Varanasi on April 24. online poll of readers. Modi is described as "The quick action, encouraging there is no evidence that he divisive politician poised to the private sector, and good has made money from polilead the world's largest governance. He also has a tics," Sardesai wrote. "Though his administrademocracy" in a profile by reputation for autocratic rule Fareed Zakaria, the Indian- and a dark Hindu-nationalist tion (in Delhi) lasted a mere American host of CNN's streak," he said. "But those 49 days, with Kejriwal provconcerns are waning in a ing less adept at turning the Fareed Zakaria GPS. "Elections are reactions, country desperate for wheels of government than campaigning against it, his often negative reactions. change." Kejriwal, listed among image as the quintessential That is surely the explanation for the breathtaking rise pioneers, is described as a outsider taking on powerful of Narendra Modi, who 'if "powerful outsider in Indian interests - 'a David versus the opinion polls are accu- politics" by Rajdeep many mighty Goliaths' - has rate' is poised to become Sardesai, editor-in-chief of earned him a unique place in Indian politics," he added. India's next Prime Minister, the IBN18 Network. "Kejriwal is the antithesis Among the icons, Roy, the and thus the world leader chosen by the largest elec- of the modern-day Indian author of "The God of Small torate on the planet," he politician. He's no Hindu Things" makes it as "the nationalist, he doesn't have a novelist who is the conwrites. "Modi has a reputation for famous surname, and no, science of India".
BJP Prime Ministerial candidate Narendra Modi during a road show in Varanasi.
Varanasi: It was arguably the largest crowd Narendra Modi has attracted during his election campaign, a show of strength to silence the BJP's opponents, particularly the AAP, that has dismissed a "wave" in favor of the party's prime ministerial candidate. And, if seen from above, it would have seemed like thousands of bees were heading for their hive - the destination being the statute of BHU founder Madan Mohan Malvyia where Modi was to pay tribute before filing his nomination papers for Varanasi Lok Sabha seat. Under the scorching sun, the crowd, which began massing from 6 a.m. did not budge despite the repeated threats of police baton charges and Modi arriving two hours late. When he did come - for a change, clad in a white kurta and pyjama - the crowd went into a frenzy, scrambling to catch the glimpse of Modi with people elbowing, jostling and even hitting out at each other. The cacophony of conch shells and sloga-
neering hailing Modi reached its crescendo when he bowed before his supporters and waved to them - seemingly endlessly. The city seemed to be in a state of euphoria as normal life came to a halt with traffic jams and shuttered shops as tens of thousands of people accompanied the Gujarat chief minister Narendra who traveled atop a truck for filing his nomination papers. There were people from all walks of life but the common thread that ran among them was the saffron cap and Modi mask. Some BJP workers even forced curious foreign tourists, many who were here to do 'election tourism', to wear the boat-shaped caps. "Never have I seen such a huge rally in my life," said an awed Ram Kuhar, a resident of Varanasi. With around 1.6 million voters, Varanasi will go the polls on May 12 the last round of the 10phased general election. The results will be declared May 16.
BATTLEGROUND 2014
11
Congress confused about Priyanka targets Modi, rakes up snoopgate its campaign: BJP
New Delhi: The BJP said the Congress leadership was confused about its election campaign and is launching personal attacks against BJP leaders, but crying foul over similar attacks against Congress politicians. Retorting to Priyanka Vadra's attack on its prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi over the allegations of monitoring and snooping of a woman by the Gujarat government, the BJP said the Congress was "confused" about its election campaign and has nothing else to say. "There was an emotional appeal from Priyanka Vadra that personal matters should not be raised. Today, she also raised personal matters... why can't Congress make up its mind?" BJP spokesperson Nirmala Sitharaman said. Priyanka raised the Gujarat snooping controversy, saying: "If you want to empower women, then why listen to their private conversations?" In the Gujarat snoopgate scandal, opposition parties accused Chief Minister Narendra Modi of tracking the movements of a woman and spying on her. Modi's close aide Amit Shah has Rae Bareli/New Delhi: For the second consecutive day, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra targeted the BJP and its leader Narendra Modi and raked up the snoopgate controversy, saying the Gujarat chief minister "was listening to conversations of women". Addressing election rallies in Rae Bareli, Priyanka also said politics is about dealing with the problems of the people and "not just making personal attacks". Priyanka's remarks on Modi came on a day BJP senior leader Arun Jaitley said he agreed with her that personal attacks cause pain but that she should remember "charity begins at home". The Congress came out firmly in support of Priyanka's remarks concerning the Bharatiya Janata Party, with its spokesperson Abhishek Manu Singhvi saying the party was "110 percent" with her. Targeting Modi, who is a trenchant critic of the Congress, Priyanka said the man who was calling for protection of women was himself spying on a woman. "He was listening to conversations of women. If you want to empower women, then why listen to their private conversations,? Priyanka said. The opposition parties allege that
BJP spokesperson Nirmala Sitharaman
been accused of misusing his powers as a Gujarat minister and police machinery for illegal surveillance of the young woman. Sitharaman said: "The woman in question is not concerned about it, her father appealed that she be left alone... When issue of Robert Vadra's corruption is raised, they say he is a private citizen, why are they intruding in other private citizen's lives?" The party spokesperson slammed the Congress for being confused about its campaign."There is utter confusion in the Congress war room... Rahul Gandhi first said he does not approve of personal attacks, and then launched a personal attack on (Narendra) Modiji's affidavit," she said.
Priyanka Gandhi Vadra campaigning in Rae Bareli
the Modi government ordered tracking of the movements of a young woman and spied on her in Gujarat. Seeking votes for her mother and Congress president Sonia Gandhi, Priyanka urged the people not to be swayed by false propaganda unleashed by the opposition and said voters should keep their welfare and the progress of nation in mind while voting. "A lot is being said in the poll season and you must be watching on television the type of 'tu-tumain-main' (verbal spat) going on
between political leaders," she told a gathering in Rae Bareli. At times, television news can be disgusting, Priyanka said while pointing out that she often asked her children not to watch television. Realizing that a large number of television crews were present at the meeting, she immediately apologised for the taunt but added that somehow this was the reality. Priyanka said political leaders were making personal attacks and maligning her husband Robert Vadra and the entire Gandhi family.
12
BATTLEGROUND 2014
Kejriwal files nomination, attacks Modi, Rahul

Varanasi: AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal has filed his nomination papers for the Lok Sabha election from here to take on BJP's prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi after a massive road show that drew thousands in the Hindu holy city. Addressing the mass who packed the streets and also marched along with his slowmoving open van, Kejriwal launched a blistering attack on Modi and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi while describing himself as an "aam aadmi". It was the biggest show of strength by the Aam Aadmi Party since the former Delhi chief minister shifted to Varanasi to fight the high-profile battle with Modi. Ajay Rai of the Congress is the third major candidate from Varanasi. tance to the district magistrate's office where he filed the nomination papers in the company of senior party colleagues, including Manish Sisodia. All along the route, the AAP leader repeatedly halted to address crowds, underlining that Modi, if he won the election here, would become as scarce as Rahul Gandhi in Amethi. He also asked aloud from where Modi and Gandhi were getting the money being poured into their election campaigns across the country. "Look at all these hoardings... Where do they get their money?" he asked, looking at one giant Modi hoarding in Varanasi. "And here I have only 500 rupees with me!" Kejriwal said while he was undertaking a simple election campaign, Modi would fly into Varanasi Thursday by helicopter to file his nomination. "The people of Kashi (Varanasi) should also not get fooled like people in Amethi have been fooled for years," he said as his vehicle crawled through congested parts of the ancient city. Rahul Gandhi is seeking re-election from Amethi constituency. Kejriwal said Modi had spent some Rs.5,000 crore and Rahul Gandhi Rs.1,000 crore on advertisements -- on themselves and their parties. He said Varanasi should elect an MP with whom they can relate. With 1.6 million voters, Varanasi goes to the polls May 12 -- on the last day of the staggered balloting acoss tghe country that began April 7. The nationwide results will be known May 16.
AAP leader addressing the masses after filing his nomination.
Speaking with IANS, Kejriwal said: "We are very confident to win in Varanasi." Asked if Modi loses from Varanasi, will he still become the prime minister, the Aam Aadmi
Party (AAP) leader retorted: "Do you really think Rajnath will let him be PM if he loses from Varanasi?" It took Kejriwal, 45, about three hours to cover just a three-km dis-
Mulayam no hero for Mainpuri's young

dedicated "cheating mafia" that promised marks for money struck its roots in the state. In 2004, Yadav came up with the "self centre" scheme which pushed the numbers to 70 percent. Education became good business and in the district 2,450 primary schools, 292 upper secondary schools and 59 degree and postgraduate colleges sprung up - most of these privately owned. Ajay Yadav, a 27-year-old doctor, says these measures "destroyed" youth. "Cheating became so rampant that students from Mainpuri were scorned at in other districts. In Agra from where I did my bachelors, I was often told that Mainpuri was known only for its cheaters and criminals," Yadav rued. Ajay also dismissed the contention that people of his caste have had it easy under Yadav. He learnt this the hard way when the police refused to file a report on his complaint only because he stood against a Yadav with more political clout than him. Saurabh Dubey, a 28-year-old who teaches chemistry in a government college, says: "Development in Mainpuri comes in the form of infrastructure work for which tenders can be handed out to a chosen few. If the party was really interested in the welfare of the young, why could it not set up any industry or get any investment to the district?" Mulayam Singh Yadav, however, has had his own calculations on how the young can benefit. While campaigning for the 2012 Vidhan Sabha polls in the state, he promised to scrap the merit-based Teachers Eligibility Test (TET) for appointment to primary and upper primary schools in the state. A list of 72,825 successful candidates was set out in the first installment of the test in 2011 conducted under the erstwhile Mayawati government. However, these are yet to be placed as the state government is fighting for a system of selection based on marks in Class 10, Class 12, graduation exams and TET - giving an obvious edge to those who have cleared the first three by cheating.
Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal with BJP candidate from Amritsar, Arun Jaitley
Samajwadi Party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav
Harvesting season worries grip Punjab leaders

Chandigarh: As the election fever builds up in Punjab for the April 30 Lok Sabha polls, so is the concern among politicians about the polling date coming right in the middle of the peak wheat-crop harvesting season. The period between April 14 and May 15 is when the maximum wheat arrival happens in a state known as the food basket of the country. Government procurement agencies do the maximum procurement of the wheat crop generally between April 25 and May 10."The centre and the Election Commission have not been fair to Punjab. The April 30 election date comes during the peak of the harvesting season," Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal has been telling gatherings in Punjab's rural areas, while urging farmers and their families to vote April 30. "I think that this is a deliberate ploy. If the elections in neighbouring Haryana could be held on April 10, why are Punjab elections scheduled for April 30. I see no justification in this. Make sure that you cast your vote April 30," a visibly upset Badal tells people. All 13 Lok Sabha seats in Punjab go to the polls April 30. The 19.5 million eligible voters will decide the fate of 253 candidates in the field. "I don't think that much thought was given by the authorities while recommending the election date for Punjab. Farmers and their family members are busy in harvesting the crop, arranging to take it to the grain market. Even at the grain market, it can take three days or more for the procurement process to be completed. Many farmers will not be in their villages on election day," Jaswant Singh, a farmer at Sahnewal near Ludhiana, said. Even Punjab's election department is keeping its fingers crossed on the voter turnout for the April 30 polling date. "We admit that the polling date comes in peak harvesting season. We are urging people that they must cast their vote," Punjab Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) V.K. Singh said.Punjab, the country's green revolution state, alone contributes over 50 percent of the total food grains to the national kitty despite having just 1.54 percent of the country's geographical area. Punjab procures over 14 million tonnes of wheat during a bumper season.
Mainpuri (Uttar Pradesh): Samajwadi Party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav is no longer a hero for the young in Mainpuri, the constituency which sent him to parliament thrice. Naziya Parveen, 25, a primary school teacher in Bhongaon, said: "Mulayam is definitely not a hero for us." Ironically, Yadav's falling reputation among the young stems from acts aimed at helping them. In 1991, the state's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government had pushed through a law that made cheating a non-bailable offence. Upon his return to power in 1993, Yadav rushed to do away with the law which caused 15- and 16-year olds to be hauled to jail. The following year, the Class 10 pass percentage in the state's board exams climbed to 38.12 percent from the 25.34 percent of the previous year and the still poorer 14.70 percent of 1992. Mass cheating ensured that these numbers continued to climb while a
OP-ED
13
Why India should vote to install Modi as PM

By Narain Kataria ndia is at the crossroads of history. The Indian electorate have to decide whether they want to elect Narendra Modi as the next Prime Minister of India or someone with no proven record of running the government efficiently. Modi has been elected Chief Minister of Gujarat three times and has a proven record as a very benevolent administrator. According to recent poll projections by NDTV, BJP-led NDA will get 275 seats in Lok Sabha in this election. If this comes true, Indians, especially 80% Hindus will be in a position to get rid of pseudo-secularism. In India secularism has become a euphemism for Hindu bashing and Muslim appeasement. Congress Government at the instance of Sonia Gandhi was planning to enact anti-Hindu Prevention of Communal Violence Bill. She has already degraded the dignity of the post of Prime Minister to the level of a mere rubber stamp, according to Sanjaya Baru, the former media advisor to Manmohan Singh. Congress led government has ruined the Indian economy. Its leaders have allegedly looted the country by billions of dollars while, as per a World Bank Report 841 million people live with less than $2.00 a day. Leave aside Sonia Gandhi, the Chairperson of UPA, even her son-in-law Robert Vadra has amassed huge wealth. Rahul Gandhi is reported to have told the former US Ambassador to India, Timothy Roemer, that Hindu terror is more dangerous than that of Lashkar-e-Taiba! Rahul Gandhi is no match for Narendra Modi. His only qualification is that he belongs to NehruGandhi Dynasty. Some Indian leaders have described Rahul as Buddhu and others as intellectually deficient person to handle the stupendous job of prime minister of India. If India wants to get rid of the corrupt, communal and divisive Congress Party, then it should vote for Narendra Modis party BJP or other NDA constituents. At the moment, Modi is the only unifying force in India. He is the leader India has been waiting for a
Elections
leader in India. In spite of the mean and mendacious media attack launched against him by Congress Party in collusion with the dangerous combination of pseudo-secularists, radical Islamists, far left Communists, foreign-funded NGOs, Modi has not only stood strong, but also has made them eat humble pie. Gujarats population is 5% of the total population of India. But Modi ruled Gujarats industrial production is 16%. Gujarat exports 22% of the countrys exported goods. The states agricultural growth is 10% whereas it is only 3% for India as a whole. Gujarat has
Narendra Modi is a powerful orator, a consummate communicator, and a decisive and charismatic leader.
long time. He is the only harbinger of hope, the panacea of most of the problems India is confronted with. Modi always talks about issues such as rising price, scams, corruption, lack of accountability in government, fuel scarcity, national unity and progress. His main plank in this election is Nation First. Modi is a true secularist. He believes in the motto of equality for all, and appeasement to none. All the allegations against Modi are politically motivated. Congress has found out that it is very difficult to defeat Modi politically, hence they are using government machinery to implicate Modi in false cases, to slander him and tarnish his image in the eyes of public. But so far Modi has not been found guilty of any charges leveled against him. Special Investigation Team (SIT) appointed by the Supreme Court has dismissed all the allegations against Modi leveled by Sanjiv Bhat, the police officer in Gujarat. On December 26th, 2013 the court in Ahmedabad gave Modi a clean chit. Modi has never uttered a single word against minorities in his campaign speeches. That is the reason in 2012 elections in Gujarat, 31% Muslims voted for BJP. That is the reason many prominent Muslims like Zafar Sareshwala and Asifa Khan support Modi. The Congress propaganda that Modi is antiMuslim has completely failed. Modi is an embodiment of courage. He is a powerful orator, a consummate communicator and a forthright thinker. He is a fearless fighter, a legend who understands Mukund Mohan (Microsoft Ventures Accelerator), Vinodh Bhat (Saavn), Prasad Malmandi (ESPN Cricinfo) and Nihal Mehta (Eniac) touched on challenges and opportunities facing B2B and B2C models, compared the start-up culture in both the countries vis a vis impact of failure on entrepreneurial risk taking. In America, we are thought that even if you fall on your face it is still falling forward, while in India failure is akin to social stigma, said Nihal Mehta.
how to capture the collective imagination of the people he wants to lead. At the moment, he is the most popular and charismatic
maintained double digit GDP growth for the last decade. Gujarats Solar Park is Asias largest Solar Park with 590 MW capacity. In 2002, there were 11 universities but now there are 44 universities in Gujarat. There have been frequent and numerous riots in Uttar Pradesh. But in Modis Gujarat there is peace and tranquility for the last 12 years. There have been no communal riots in Gujarat since 2002. Recently Congress Party was wiped out in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh and Delhi. It was a semi-final for BJP and Congress. Next month, BJP will win the final. The author is President, Indian American Intellectuals Forum, New York.
The views expressed in Op Eds are not necessarily those of The South Asian Times.
Continued from page 5 (The Kati Roll Company) discussed the expanding perception of food, modernization and authentication, fundamentals of the cuisine and the passion and effort that goes into the food. The second panel of successful entrepreneurs in India and the USA discussed Innovation and Entrepreneurship and what Indian can learn from their counterparts in the US. Speakers Lux Narayan (Unmetric),
14
OP-ED
By Ashish Arora
Varanasi basks in its importance, ignores 'waves'

Elections
tion, Varanasi has more than 200,000 Brahmin voters out of the 1.6 million voters in the constituency. It also has a staggering 300,000 Muslim voters. Quami Ekta candidate Mukhtar Ansari's withdrawal from the race, it is said, would stop the diversion of Muslim votes and would benefit Congress candidate Rai, a Bhumihar. At the same time, AAP is slowly making an ingress to the city. "Polarization is not an issue for Muslim votes because full support of the community is with us. Hindu votes will be divided among AAP, Congress and BJP," said AAP leader Gaurav Shah. "We are going to make a clean sweep on the voting day as our popularity and support in the city is increasing day by day," he claimed. "For a city that welcomes 200,000-300,000 tourists for various religious purposes every year, this political tourism may be a short-term opportunity, but it is definitely a bonus. And this is another reason of excitement in the town," said the BHU's Srivastava. "Political tourism is certainly beneficial for local vendors, traders, hoteliers, transporters, caterers and tent house service providers," he observed.
his teeming city, considered holy by Hindus, but home to a large proportion of Muslims, is slowly warming up to the political Star War as partymen and supporters of the three main contenders - Narendra Modi, Arvind Kejriwal and Ajai Rai have begun canvassing for votes for the May 12 Lok Sabha election. The excitement in the city is evident on the streets and in kasbahs. People can be seen participating in the Bharatiya Janata Party's prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi's chai par charcha (discussions over tea), five-time legislator and sitting Congress MLA Ajay Rai's door-to-door meetings and Aam Aadmi Party leader Arvind Kejriwal's chaupal sabhas (corner meetings). "The people of Varanasi are very excited to see that their city has become so special. When a national level party announces its prime ministerial candidate from your city, excitement can be obvious. And such announcement works positively for the city," Sanjay Srivastava, a professor in the social sciences department of Banaras Hindu University (BHU), said. But is there a "Modi wave" sweeping the ancient city? Its denizens feel otherwise. There are
Varanasi has more than 200,000 Brahmin voters out of the 1.6 million voters in the constituency. It also has a staggering 300,000 Muslim voters.
many for whom the "popular enthusiasm" for Modi is just "partisan propaganda". "Where is the Modi wave? Is it being felt on the street? It is just a media creation," said an academic in a government-run college, asking not to be named. "They (media) have to sell their story and here it is, the big national story. It is the job of the camera to find faces, but these days faces are apparently approaching camera and trying to give an impres-
sion that they are all for one face, a national party. It is part of a big poll strategy of a political party," the academic said. Said senior journalist Gautam Chatterjee: "The sights and direction of Indian politics is now determined by the corporate sector. They sponsor a horse and the media creates a craze for that particular horse like Narendra Modi or Arvind Kejriwal. It's all about who is more profitable for the corporate sector, not for the public."
A section of the city feels that it is not a good idea to ignore local leaders - a reference to Congress candidate Ajay Rai - in view of the presence of the Gujarat chief minister and the former chief minister of Delhi. "In a city like Varanasi with its slow serendip lifestyle, not before two weeks from the vote can you be able to least figure out whose wave is there," said a local party worker. Being a Hindu religious destina-
Is Congress worried for Rahul in Amethi?

Elections
By Mohit Dubey s the Congress getting the jitters in Amethi, a high-profile constituency long considered a pocket borough of the Gandhis? While no Congressman openly talks about it, senior leaders concede in private of an "opposition onslaught" that was "worrying if not frightening". They are emphatic that incumbent MP Rahul Gandhi will win a third term, but they are haunted by a rare specter of a narrowed down margin of victory for the Gandhi scion. And it is not without reason that Rahul's mother and Congress president Sonia Gandhi held her first election rally in 10 years in Amethi last week. Striking an emotional chord, Gandhi asked people to repose their faith in Rahul whom she "gave to them in 2004". "Like Indira ji gave Rajiv ji, my husband, to you many years back, I gave Rahul to you in 2004 and hope
The BJP is all set to unleash 'Modi raths' in Amethi.
your love for him will continue," she said at the rally. This is very unlike the Gandhis who in the past have only held a road show prior to the nomination and leave the campaigning to local leaders and Rahul's sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra. The "once-in-adecade" rally of Sonia Gandhi has caught the attention of BJP's prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi, who has since been taunting
the first family of Indian politics, saying when Rahul has failed to take care of Amethi, how can he look after the country? "Sonia ji is seeking votes for her son on an emotive note...things are clear hence," Modi said at several rallies in the northeast. The worry for Congressmen does not seem misplaced too. Considering the near rout of the Congress in Amethi in the 2012
state assembly elections, the candidature of Kumar Vishwas by the Aam Aadmi party (AAP) and Smriti Irani of the BJP has also made the electoral contest tough. Faced with a strong anti-incumbency sentiment across the country, the party is now worried that the two glib talking contestants would take the sheen off from the Congress 'yuvraj'. Leading the charge is poetturned-politician Kumar Vishwas who has been camping in Amethi for the last three months, ever since the AAP set its eyes on the VVIP constituency. Having rented a house for himself here, Vishwas calls himself the frontrunner and says that "history will be written May 16" when the votes are counted.I am the real 'ummeedvaar' from here as people have ummeed (hope) from me alone," Kumar Vishwas told IANS. "He (Rahul Gandhi) has been MP from this place for 10 years, look at the state of roads and the grim power scenario," he says as a handful of people listening attentively to him clap in agreement.
He goes on to attack Rahul's brother-in-law Robert Vadra, saying how Robert's rags-to-riches story was a slap on every sane thinking, law-abiding citizen of the country. Worry for the Gandhis, as admitted by Priyanka to close aides, says a source, is also the presence of thousands of Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh (RSS) activists who are camping in the villages trying to win them over for the BJP candidate. Smriti Irani, a favorite TV bahu is also sweating it out, staying at a one-room accommodation. She is largely pinning hopes on the "Modi wave" and is appealing to the women in the countryside, assuring them of "acche din aane waale hain" (Good days will come soon) if the BJP is voted to power. Priyanka, who is the campaign manager of her brother, has sent an SOS to her mother Sonia Gandhi of "increased RSS activity" in the area, forcing Sonia to hold her first election rally in Amethi in a decade. As the people vote May 7, the fear among the Congressmen is of the dent on the Gandhi halo.
The views expressed in Op Eds are not necessarily those of The South Asian Times.
CULTURE
15
By Ajay Ghosh ndowed with a captivating melodious voice, classical excellence and a penchant for hard work, it has been a triumphant journey for Dr. K.J. Yesudas, becoming one of the most admired and most recorded artists ever. The renowned playback singer, Yesudas has lent his golden voice to tens of thousands of songs in almost every major language in India in the past half a century. He turned 73 on Jan 10, 2014 and continues to mesmerize listeners of all ages. Celebrating his golden jubilee in singing, Dr. Yesudas is on a world tour, taking his golden voice to six cities in the US this summer. Hedge Brokerage, based in New York, is proud to celebrate, honor and present 50 years of Golden Voice by legendary Dr. K.J. Yesudas, during his six-city unique musical concerts across the US, said Saji Abraham, Founder and Chairman of Hedge Brokerage. In his live performances accompanied by live orchestra in New York, Dallas, Houston, New Jersey, Atlanta, and Washington DC, Yesudas is being joined by popular playback singers Remya Nambeesan, Vijay Yesudas and Swetha Mohan. It was on November 14th, 1961 that Yesudas recorded his first film song for a Malayalam film at a Chennai studio. Thereafter in 50 years of singing for films and concerts and albums, Yesudas has sung over 50,000 songs in 17 languages. Yesudas, son of noted stage actor and singer Augustine Joseph, got his first recognition at the age of nine when he won a gold medal for music at a local competition in Kochi. His dreams of be-
Legendary singer KJ Yesudas is touring 6 American cities this summer. He uses the medium of music to unite peoples of all faiths, regions, and nationalities.
coming a singer were realized when he got his first break in a Malayalam film Kalpaddukal in 1961. He believes it was a divine plan as he started his career by singing a poem written by the most revered spiritual personality of modern India, Sree Narayana Guru. Living in a country that has deep divisions of caste, creed, ethnic and linguistic, Yesudas, is inspired by the message of Narayana Guru, who preached, One Caste, One Religion and One God for all Humans. Yesudas uses the medium of music to unite peoples of all faiths, regions, and nationalities. He has also been conferred first Sree Narayana Dharma Sanghom Trust Award for fostering communal harmony, recognizing his outstanding contributions in promoting Narayana Gurus message of universal brotherhood and peace. Yesudas has assumed the role of cultural ambassador of India during his innumerable performances abroad, promoting both classical and film music. Honors and awards followed him wherever he went. Not long ago, Yesudas performed the title track from his album, Ahimsa, accompanied by the extraordinary Pakistani group,
Junoon. The synergy thus created, aimed at peace, was an inspiration to all those present, which included renowned artists like Lionel Ritchie, Ray Charles, Montzerra Caballe and Zubin Mehta. Legendary actors like Gregory Peck, Sydney Poitier and Peter Ustinov were the masters of ceremony. Dignitaries from around the world, including the heads of the European Union and the ambassadors from 170 countries attended this global event and gave Yesudas a standing ovation. Sadhana (practice) is the essence of music and it is a life-long activity for any musician, says Yesudas. It is only through practice that one can seek more knowledge, he adds. Winner of scores of accolades, including the coveted Padma Bhushan from the government of India, in addition to seven national awards for best playback singer, Indias very own Gana Gandharvan (the divine singer) is still breathing music and enchanting music lovers all over the world. Yesudas credits his success to the grace of God, and to the support, love, and affection he has been receiving from the audience across the world. In spite of all his remarkable achievements, Yesudas is a very humble and down-to-earth person. His humility, perseverance and devotion to music are an inspiration to all the young aspiring musicians, who wish to follow in his footsteps. Although, he is known across the globe as a legendary classical music singer, he said, My knowledge of classical music is like the tip of an iceberg. I consider myself a student of music who constantly seeks to learn and to perfect this vast ocean. I will continue to sing in movies as long as my voice and my health permit me. To keep himself and his voice fit, he said, he controls his diet and life. Married for more than 30 years, Dr. Yesudas and his wife have three sons, Vinod, Vijay and Vishal. The family resides in Chennai but has a second home in Texas, USA from where they operate during their frequent visits to the United States.
Heartwarming, extraordinary stories of 10 disabled athletes

ments' when some of them survived suicide. As former All-England champion Prakash Padukone says in the Foreword: "This book is a treasure. I recommend it wholeheartedly and hope the entire country will read and learn something from the legends who are chronicled here." "I have written the book not to just bring out their incredible stories to the public but to push people to ask ourselves why is society not bothered about disabled people in general," Sanjay Shama said. "We need to ask ourselves when there are so many disabled people in our country, why don't we see them on the roads? It is because there is no infrastructure," he added. The book features athletes from different fields: Rajeev Bagga, deaf and mute, is a badminton champion and has won 16 gold medals in four Deaf Olympiads in 16 years; Rajaram Ghag, afflicted with polio, went on to cross the English Channel and the treacherous Strait of Gibraltar; Devendra Jhajharia, a one-armed javelin thrower who won gold medal in the 2004 Summer Paralympics in Athens ; and cricketer Mansoor Ali Khan 'Tiger' Pataudi, who was blind in one eye, amongst many others. While disabled-friendly infrastructure seems nowhere on the government's agenda, the stories of these athletes narrate how difficult it is for them to board a train or go to a toilet in a moving train. Perhaps the pain and agony can be felt only after reading these stories that represent the state of the disabled in India. "We handicapped, or differently-abled athletes as you say, are treated with so much respect abroad. In India it is torture from the time you land at the airport. There is much sympathy and society looks after all your needs abroad; here life is a struggle most of the times," Taranath Shenoy, an international swimmer and deafmute with vision only in one eye, told the author. For Sharma, who has also written the biography "Pullela Gopi Chand: The World Beneath His Feat", on India's only other AllEngland champion, the book happened by sheer chance when he attended a championship for the disabled and was awed by the indomitable will of the participants. It took him a year and many personal visits to some of the athletes who weren't ready to share their stories. "There were many who were extremely emotional for them to relive their trauma. In such extreme cases, I had to gain their confidence and only then did they open up," Sharma added.
Rajeev Bagga, deaf and mute, has won 16 gold medals in four Deaf Olympiads in badminton
The late cricketer Tiger Pataudi went on to captain India despite not having use of one eye
By Shilpa Raina
ot much has been written or is known about disabled sportspersons who have brought accolades to India by winning several medals, but a new book sheds light on their various struggles, their darkest phases and a life beyond the ordinary. These star athletes are living a life of oblivion. Documenting their life's journey, where some of
them even gave up on life and tried to commit suicide, is Sanjay Sharma, a former national badminton champion and coach and his daughter Medini Sharma in the book "Courage Beyond Compare" (Rupa, Rs. 295). Ten incredible stories are featured in this 258-page book. All paint a mixed picture of everyday challenges disabled people face on Indian streets, discrimination by their peers, and their 'weak mo-
16
ULTIMATE BOLLYWOOD
Salman Khan frenzy hits Warsaw

rom being followed by fans everywhere to getting wide media coverage - the filming of Bollywood film "Kick", which stars Salman Khan and Jacqueline Fernandez in the lead roles, has generated frenzy in the Polish capital. Director Sajid Nadiadwala, who is shooting the film's climax here, had no inkling people would react like that when he parked himself in the city for the shooting. Wherever he goes to shoot, a mixed crowd of Indians and Polish fans of Bollywood films follow him. They also chant "Salman, Salman" whenever the Hindi movie superstar comes on the set. Shooting is in full swing for the past 10 days and Gazeta Wyborcza, the largest newspaper here, is giving wide coverage to the shooting. It has put four journalists on the job. Private Polish TV channel TVN also gives big coverage to the "Kick" unit, which is expected to wrap up the shooting by the end of the month, almost every day. "The day is not far when Warsaw can be known as Warsaliwood for the Bollywood producers. The locales and natural scenic beauty would prompt Bollywood to select Poland for their outdoor shootings. "The (production) cost is much cheaper and the civic authorities
Aditya, Rani Mukerji marry in Italy
The wedding was a very small intimate affair with very close family and friends
Salman at Warsaw airport
are cooperating generously. A city like Warsaw has more than 20 five star hotels and there are 30 Indian restaurants. The stars and the crew can have food of their choice anytime of the day
or night. Young and beautiful Polish girls are ready to work as extras in the item numbers," wrote Michael Wojytczuk in Gazeta Wyborcza.
'Revolver Rani' to battle it out with 'Kaanchi'
fter Queen, Kangana Ranaut is back at the producer by Kavita Barjatya, known for making TV box office as Revolver Rani and she shows. Besides, Rajeev too needs a big hit. would battle it out with musical Kaanchi The flavor and setting of the two films are comand thriller Samrat & Co. for the top honours pletely different -- Tigmanshu Dhulia-produced when the threesome hit the screens. Revolver Rani is set in the backdrop of the notoriKangana loves to push the envelope by stepping ous Chambal area, while detective movie Samrat & into unconventional roles and she Co, featuring Rajeev as a continues the trend with suave investigator, has been Revolver Rani, which sees shot in the scenic her in a never-seen-before Himachal Pradesh and avatar of a don shooting director Kaushik Ghatak guns and mouthing diahas used VFX to make the logues in profane lanplot interesting and guage. engaging. With her brilliant performance in Queen, Kangana not only raised the bar for her contemporaries but for herself too thus raising fans' expectations from her. Debutant director Sai Kabir describes her character as ugly and non-glamorous. Kangana will face stiff competition from Rajeev Khandelwal, another brilliant actor, in Samrat & Co. A lot is riding on the film -- it Kangana Ranaut is back at the box office as 'Revolver Rani' is the first feature film as a
inally, there's clarity on the relationship status of Aditya Chopra and Rani Mukerji. The Yash Raj Films (YRF) head honcho and actress exchanged vows in a small affair held in Italy, said an official announcement. "We are happy to announce that Aditya Chopra and Rani Mukerji got married last night. The wedding was a very small intimate affair with very close family and friends," Rafiq Gangjee, vice president (marketing and communications), YRF, said in a statement. "We wish the couple a very happy married life," Gangjee added. For Aditya, who is the elder son of late filmmaker Yash
Chopra, it is his second marriage. He was earlier married to Payal Khanna. Actor Uday Chopra is happy about his brother-filmmaker Aditya Chopras marriage to actress Rani Mukerji and welcomes her with open arms. We welcome Rani Chopra to the family. Lots of love to the newlyweds, the Dhoom actor tweeted. Along with the son of late director Yash Chopra, filmmaker Karan Johar also took to Twitter to wish the couple. And finally. Mr. and Mrs. Chopra. Love you both, Karan posted on Twitter. Superstar Shah Rukh Khan also used the microblogging site to congratulate the newlyweds on their union.
Shabana thanks Bollywood stars
eteran actress and social activist Shabana Azmi has thanked Bollywood actors Anil Kapoor, Sidharth Malhotra and Sonakshi Sinha for agreeing to walk the ramp for her NGO at IIFA Rocks in the US. Thank you Anil Kapoor, Sidharth Malhotra and Shabana Azmi at IIFA Rocks Sonakshi Sinha for agreeing to walk the ramp for Mijwan by Manish Malhotra at IIFA Rocks in Tampa, US, she tweeted. Earlier this month, she brought together Bollywood's male actors Amitabh Bachchan, Akshay Kumar, Farhan Akhtar, Ranbir Kapoor and Sidharth to walk for her NGO Mijwan Welfare Society (MWS) to support emancipation of the female gender.
ULTIMATE BOLLYWOOD
17
Ghai roots for film artistes I have not divided contesting polls Bollywood: Modi
oming out in support of film personalities throwing their hat into the ring for the ongoing Lok Sabha polls, renowned movie director Subhash Ghai Monday said the fraternity has produced some good political leaders. To buttress his point, Ghai referred to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J.Jayalalithaa and late Congress MP Sunil Dutt's contribution to politics. "People can come from all spheres. Members of parliament include engineers, doctors, and artists and so on. Politicians work for social cause. Jayalalitha is an example of a good leader who is from the film fraternity. Then Subhash Ghai is promoting his upcoming film 'Kaanchi' Sunil Dutt ji was also there," Ghai told IANS to queries about celebrities contest- don't know. Jo hogi shayad uss par film banaunga. (I ing the Lok Sabha elections. Asked whether he has don't know what is in store for future, whether a plans to direct any movie centred on politics in the civil war or self rule. Depending on the scenario, I near future, Ghai said: "As a storywriter I react to might make a film.)" Ghai was in the city to prothe situation. Kal civil war hogi ya Swaraj hoga I mote his upcoming film "Kaanchi".
JP's prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi has refuted allegations that Bollywood was getting divided because of him. "I am not very familiar with Bollywood. I did meet some people after I became Vivek Oberoi supports Narendra Modi, chief minister but calls him karma yogi that was purely for occupational reasons, though not get any time to watch everybody is entitled to their Bollywood movies, Modi said views," Modi told ABP News in that in the last decade, he had an interview. Last week, an seen only three films. "I have appeal by some Bollywood seen 'Paa', 'A Wednesday' and a artistes asking people to vote for film on Swami Vivekananda in a secular candidate created a the last 10 years," Modi said, controversy as supporters of admitting that the film on Modi rejected the view, reveal- Vivekananda was "very good" ing the fissures in the film and had an inspiring message industry. Stating that he does for the youth.
'2 States': A magical north-south love story

agically, "2 States" ends with a beautifully staged wedding where the film's culture-crossed couple finally get their wish. Sigh of relief? Not quite. This is a film you don't want to end. It's a story....but wait, it doesn't seem like a story!! Not in the sense of 'Once upon a time when Boy Met Girl'. You know exactly where our twosome, the gorgeous Ananya and the diffident Krish are going...But you get so sucked into their journey, their courtship, conflicts, tiffs and buts, that you feel after a point that you aren't watching them in a film. They are people we know. And love. Indian marriages, they say, are the marriage of two families. Sure enough, when the shy repressed Punjabi Krish meets the spunky spirited beer-guzzling, chicken-chewing Ananya, there is hell to pay from both sides. The thing about cultural stereotyping is that it very often does exist in exactly the forms that we see them exist in films and books. Chetan Bhagat's lively novel from which this film is adapted, harps on the stereotypes in a way where we don't see the characters as "types" but as individuals who conform to a type. This delectable game of slotting the individual is best illustrated by Krish's loud-brassy Punjabi mom who behaves likes a cross between Kirron Kher and what Vidya Balan in Rajkumar Gupta's "Ghanchakkar" would have been had she grown older and had a son. Oh yes, Revathi as Ananya's graceful Tamil
Review
'Mastram' will create some good records for filmdom

astram, an erotic thriller about a porn writer popular in the country's northern part, is coming on the big screen May 9. Distributors from various territories predict that if promoted smartly, the film will get a good opening, overwhelming footfall and they can also smell that the fictional biography will do something good for the industry. Sanjay Ghai, COO in Mukta Arts Limited, which has footprints in Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab and Rajasthan, is positive about the prospect of Mastram at the box office in the tier two cities. It looks like a very interesting film and I personally liked the way the producer is promoting it. It is going to create some good records for the industry. People will definitely come and watch the film, Ghai said. However, when it comes to predicting box office numbers for the small budget film directed by Akhilesh Jaiswal and produced by Bohra Bros, it is too early, he says. We can't predict the business right now, but we can smell that the film will do something good for the industry. The film is made in Rs.2 crore and the publicity budget is approximately Rs.10 crore, so I am hopeful, he added. Mastram is the pen name of the author, whose real identity is a mystery till date and it raises the curiosity around the film, in which Rahul Bagga will be seen in the title role and Trisha Berry as his supportive wife.
Varun Dhawan in a scene from 'Main Tera Hero'
mother is also outstanding, though Amrita's performance would easily shout her down in the Who Is The Better Mother contest. Amrita Singh's true-to-type Punjabi housewife's character (you know the kind who has given herself the liberty to say the most insulting things to people who are not like her) gradually melts down in the narrative as her dark secret shame - "a drunken abusive husband" - comes out in the open. Ronit Roy, that fine actor is no stranger to playing the abusive father. It's amazing how empathetic he makes the discernibly brutish character in "Udaan" and now this film without taking the character's arc through the
filmy range from villainy to repentance. Thanks to Roy's dignified damned Dad's act, "2 States" is as much a father-son story as a girl-boy thing. Not every sequence works here. I found Revathi's singing performance (arranged by Krish) a little too syrupy and Alia's anti-dowry speech at a brassy Punjabi wedding a little too contrived. Two world, two cultures, two families, one love story...."2 States" re-defines and rejuvenates the love-marriage space. Simple and yet striking, gorgeous and graceful, this is a film where we come away hankering to know what happens to the couple after the film is over.
Mastram is the pen name of the author, whose real identity is a mystery
18
TRAVEL
By Gokul Bhagabati ake a deep breath, look straight, and free yourself," said my trainer Suzanne, looking straight into my eyes even as a shiver went down my spine at the thought of bungee jumping from an 83-metre-high cliff in the direction of the Hyul river way below. I was at a jumping station at Mohan Chatti in Pauri Garhwal district of Uttarakhand, some 18 km upstream of Rishikesh. As Suzanne spoke, two other trainers fitted me out with two harnesses - one for the back and the other for the ankles. "The trick of bungee jumping is not to think too much and just savor the moment," said Suzanne, who is from Switzerland and works four to five months a year as a trainer with the Jumpin Heights extreme adventure company. She assured us that all the safety measures were in place. "The ankle harness can hold four tonnes of weight in the air," she said with a smile, adding: "So we can actually send a few elephants out there." After the trainers double-checked everything, right from my weight to the fittings of the harnesses, they asked me to walk forward. I reached the edge of the launch pad and could see the crystal-clear water of the Hyul. The trainer behind me was not satisfied. He asked me to take a few more steps and asked me to stop only when the front half of my feet were hanging in the air. They asked me not to look down and that I was ready to jump. But I wasn't and when they shouted "3,2,1 bungeee...", I didn't jump! Supported only with my ankles on an iron pad, I was terrified. Looking at the not so distant hill from where I stood scared me out of my wits. I was embarrassed and said sorry for all the time that I wasted, but the trainers would have none of it. They wanted to give me another chance and I couldn't say no. After all, I was a man, I thought, and pumped my false masculine ego as much and as fast as possible. The trainers took their positions again and started yelling "3,2, 1.." And before they could say bungee I was in the air. With my ankles up and head down, the force of gravity fast pulled me down towards the Hyul. I kept my eyes open as I zoomed past the air at a speed that I thought for a few seconds couldn't be less than that of light. I felt as if I came from a different planet to witness how humans live on the earth. The thrill of the fast free fall lasted only for a few seconds, but the adrenaline rush didn't stop even after the elastic chord tied to my ankle threw me a few meters up just before I could touch water of the Hyul. The only words that came out of my mouth at that time were, "Yes, I have done it." I kept yelling those words till someone from below asked me to stop. I felt proud. There were two men standing below and they pulled me down with the help of a strap and put me on a stretcher as they unbuttoned the harnesses.
A first person accountfear before taking the leap
Getting to Rishikesh
Nearest airport from Delhi: Jolly Grant Airport or Dehradun Airport (25 km from Rishikesh) Nearest railway Station from Delhi: Hardwar (25 km from Rishikesh) To reach the jump zone of Jumpin Heights, travel another 18 km on the road to Neelkanth from Lakshman Jhula. Cost: Bungee jumping - Rs.3,000 per jump. Other activities - Flying Fox (Rs.1,500), Giant Swing (Rs.2,500). And when I got up, they gave me a 500 ml bottle of mineral water and a black badge. "I have got guts," it declared. I trekked back to the reception counter, collected my belongings and headed towards my hotel in Tapovan in a bungee coach - mini vans that ferry the adventure seekers
In Flying Fox, you are harnessed to a wire and reach a maximum of speed of 160 km while flying past 1.5 km a few meters above the river. Bungee Jumping and Giant Swing are similar except that in the latter, you are fitted with a seat and chest harness which is connected to fixed wire ropes. Best time to bungee is between April and June - after the winter when there is no fog and before the onset of monsoon when the river below can rise. Safety Tips: Be honest while filling up the form (declaring your medical condition) before taking the jump. from their hotels. In the afternoon, I found a German Bakery facing the Ganges near Lakshman Jhula and with a cup of filter coffee in my hand I just watched the emerald green water of the Ganges flow by. And nothing felt better...
Extreme travel ideas for daredevils in 2014

drenaline junkies looking for their next travel adventure have a new list of extreme destinations for 2014 that includes bungee jumping into the belly of an active volcano in Chile and touring a war zone. These adventure travel ideas arent for the faint-hearted. But they may set many a thrillseekers heart aflutter with trips that span Fiji, Mexico, Africa, Oman and Bolivia. Volcano bungee jumping in Chile: This stunt involves jumping into the mouth of an active volcano from a helicopter, within 700 feet (213 meters) of molten lava, after which you stay suspended upside down traveling 130 km above the simmering crater.
Swim with the sharks in Fiji: On Beqa Island, divers plunge into the ocean and get to see sharks up close and personal -- that is, without the protection of a cage. Divers can expect to meet largely harmless species like the
Diving with the sharks in Fiji Tawny Nurse Shark and Blacktip Reef Shark. Cycling the Death Road in La Paz, Bolivia: Its been
dubbed the worlds most dangerous road: a treacherous downhill stretch of 64 km that starts on snow-covered plains and descends to the Amazonian jungle. Oh, and it also includes a 3.6-km drop down a sheer cliff face. Base jumping in Mexico: The Cave of Swallows is deep enough to house a high-rise building and has inspired kamikaze adrenaline junkies to jump into the belly of the earth with a parachute. Tour a war zone: This ones for anyone whos ever dreamed of being a hard-hitting war correspondent or photojournalist from the trenches. War Zone Tours offers guided tours in areas of conflict and past war zones like Iraq, Beirut and Africa led by 'High Risk Environment Guides'. Sandboarding in Oman: Desert sand dunes in parts of Oman can run as high 100 meters. Instead of snow, travelers hit the desert slopes with their boards, toboggans or quad bikes.
DIASPORA
19
Five Indian-origin people to receive top South African honors

Johannesburg: Five Indian-origin people in South Africa are among 54 recipients this year of the prestigious National Order, which would be conferred by the country's president at the upcoming Freedom Day celebrations Sunday. The National Orders, now in its 20th year, are the highest awards that South Africa bestows on its citizens and eminent foreign nationals who have contributed towards the advancement of democracy and who have made a significant impact to improving the lives of South Africans. "President Jacob Zuma will bestow to deserving recipients the Order of Mendi for Bravery, the Order of Ikhamanga, the Order of the Baobab, the Order of Luthuli, the Order of Mapungubwe, and the Order of the Companions of O.R. Tambo," the National Orders Chancellor Cassius Lubisi said in a statement on the presidency's website, adding that the Orders would be presented in bronze, silver, and gold for varying degrees of achievement. Three Indian-South Africans -- Indres Elatchininathan Naidoo, Shirish Nanabhai and Reggie Vandeyar -- would be bestowed with the silver Order of Mendi for Bravery award. Indres Elatchininatha Naidoo would be honored for his fight against unjust apartheid laws, and Reggie Vandeyar for striving for a free and democratic South Africa. Shirish Nanabhai would be conferred for his bravery in the struggle against apartheid in the country. Another Indian-origin person, Abdhulhay Jassat, has been chosen for the silver Order of Luthuli award for his excellent contribution to the struggle for liberation and advancing democracy among all South African citizens, through selfless sacrifice without regard to his own safety and well-being, the statement said. The Order of Luthuli recognizes South African citizens who have contributed to the struggle for democracy, nation-building, building democracy and human rights, justice and peace as well as for the resolution of conflict. Furthermore, Namrita Lall, an Indian-origin doctor, was chosen for her outstanding contribution in the field of medical sciences, particularly in tuberculosis. She would be awarded the bronze Order of Mapungubwe that recognizes South Africans who have accomplished excellence and exceptional achievement for the benefit of South Africa and beyond. The National Orders are conferred April 27, as a way of commemorating the first democratic elections held in South Africa in 1994. The awards ceremony would be held in the Union Buildings in Pretoria, with the theme 'South Africa - a better place to live in'.
Dr Raj Mattu unfairly sacked in 2010 reinstated

The cardiologist had publicly exposed overcrowding and patient safety concerns at Walsgrave Hospital in Coventry
London: An Indian-origin cardiologist in Britain was unfairly sacked after he raised concerns about the safety of patients and should be reinstated, a tribunal has ruled. Raj Mattu was "vilified and bullied" after he publicly exposed overcrowding and fears for patient safety at Walsgrave Hospital in Coventry, claiming that there may have been avoidable deaths as a result, the Guardian reported.Mattu's lawyer told the tribunal that the doctor was subjected to a year-long "witch hunt" by the University Hospital of Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust following the disclosures. Mattu said he felt "vindicated" by the tribunals decision but warned that there was insufficient protection available for whistleblowers in the NHS and said. A year after he raised the concerns, Mattu, who was on a 70,000 pounds salary, was suspended on full pay after being accused of bullying. He was dismissed in 2010, the report stated. Mattu said that the hospitals head of security had been asked to monitor him following his decision to publicly uncover the
Dr Raj Mattu
failings. The individual was tasked with trying to find "as much information to use against me as possible". "I was accused of fraud, I was accused of sexual impropriety, assaults, not doing my duties and so on," he was quoted as saying. The Birmingham Employment Tribunal cleared him of wrongdoing and ruled that the trust unfairly dismissed him and subjected him to "detriments" because he was a whistleblower.
India tends to forget contribution by NRI community: Lord Swraj Paul

New Delhi: Reminding people of the body in India. On the ongoing Lok role played by non-resident Indians Sabha elections, he said the Indian (NRIs) in the country's development, voter cannot be influenced by bribes. UK-based leading industrialist Lord "All this is rubbish, whether the Swraj Paul has said almost $65 bilpapers here or in Europe or the lion has come into India in the last world, that Indian voter is bribed or six months through NRI deposits. this or that. He votes exactly where Lord Paul, who is the founder chairhe wants to vote. And always in Inman of UK-based Caparo Group, dia, my view is, that the only winalso said "India tends to forget" the Lord Swraj Paul: Almost ner is he, the Indian voter," he contributions made by the NRI $65 billion have come in added. India, the world's largest the last six months from democracy, is in the midst of an community. NRI deposits "Even now, as late as last year, or election and the voting turnout in this year when the financial crisis hit India, they so huge, which is not the case in any western coun(government) are finding our banks are suffering try, he said. Lord Paul also said political parties from a lot of non-performing assets (NPAs). The should focus on real issues like education and NRIs have come to the country on the call of the poverty alleviation for the betterment of the counReserve Bank of India (RBI)," he said at a dinner try. "Nobody has talked about education, nobody hosted in his honor by the NRI Institute here on has talked about what is the condition of the peoApril 21."Almost $65 billion have come in the last ple below poverty line. Isn't it time that voters six months from NRI deposits," Lord Paul added. should demand some explanation from all the po"Somehow India tends to forget what the NRIs litical parties, why they are not going, where they have contributed. They are the one's who came to should be? I hope someday good sense will preIndia's help in 1990s when the government of In- vail," he said. Lord Paul, who is also the Chanceldia opened the business...," he added. lor of the University of Wolverhampton and UniLord Paul said he hoped the Indian government versity of Westminster, stressed on the need to furand the people will consider NRIs as their own. He ther improve education in the country and make it said the community is as proud of India as any- more global in perspective.
India-born man jailed in Britain for fake marriage racket

London: An India-born man was sentenced to nearly four-and-a-half years in jail by a British court for running a fake marriage racket in the country, media reported. Harpal Singh, 51, along with three other defendants, admitted to arranging sham marriages across Britain before the Cardiff Crown Court in Wales, the Daily Record reported. Harpal Singh, who was arrested last year for his own fraud marriage in Cardiff, was sentenced to four years and 20 weeks in jail and also recommended for deportation. He charged 5,000 pounds (around $8,392) for facilitating sham marriages between Czech women and Asian students, mainly from India, Pakistan and Nepal. These men were mostly those whose visas were about to expire or had already expired. Harpal Singh was caught trying to marry fraudulently at Cardiff Registry Office in May last year, after registry officials did not believe the validity of his divorce documents. London-based Harpal Singh came to Britain in 2006 on a six-month visa with his wife and three children. He applied for immigration twice but
Harpal Singh arranged sham marriages
failed to get approval. A bag of identity cards and "marriage packs" for other bogus weddings was recovered from his possession. The prosecution contended that Harpal Singh would arrange marriages for his clients to Czech women who had European Union (EU) residency and could confer this to any husband. The judge said such actions are an attack on the proper system of immigration control and also the institution of marriage. "You, Singh, planned to make money by exploiting people's desires to remain in the country and preying on women's financial hardship" he said.
20
SUBCONTINENT
All casinos in Welcome Modi statement on relations: Pak envoy Pakistan test-fires Nepal shut shop n-capable ballistic missile over royalty dues
Kathmandu: All casinos in Nepal have been shut down since Monday after their managements failed to heed the government's repeated warnings over their outstanding tax and royalty dues, the ministry of culture said. A total of 10 casinos operating in Nepal owe $11.26 million to the government and the pending dues date back to fiscal year 2005-06. The Nepal Casino Rules, 2013, require that each casino pays $42,105 to the government every year as a royalty. With the closure of casinos, the Himalayan country's gaming business that began around 47 years ago, has suffered a major jolt, and uncertainty looms over their revival. The closure has also deprived some 10,000 individuals of their jobs as a single casino usually employed at least 100 youths. The ministry of culture, tourism and civil aviation that regulates the casino business in Nepal last week asked the home ministry to declare these joints illegal and close them down. New Delhi: Dismissing seemingly tough statements by the BJP and its allies about Pakistan as "poll rhetoric", Pakistan High Commissioner to India Abdul Basit said they "very much welcome" BJP prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi's latest statement that if he came to power, his government would follow a "balanced" foreign policy in which "no one should be able to intimidate us and neither should we do it". Addressing a group of journalists from the Indian Women Press Corps at the Pakistan High Commission here, Basit, who took over earlier this month, said Modi's statement in a TV interview Tuesday night were "very positive". "We have heard the statement of Modi. we are very much encouraged," Basit said, adding that the statement from the prime ministerial hopeful has given Islamabad "hope" and that things would be more positive. Asked if he would deal with Pakistan with a firm hand, Modi told ABP News in an interview: "No one should be able to intimidate us and neither should we do it. The relationship with all countries should be balanced." "This feeling should be recipIslamabad: Pakistan successfully test-fired a nuclear-capable ballistic missile this week, the military said. The 290-km short-range surface-tosurface Hatf III (Ghaznavi) ballistic missile can carry nuclear and conventional warheads. "The successful launch concluded the field training exercise of the Strategic Missile Group of Army Strategic Forces Command," the statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations said. The army said the successful test has been warmly appreciated by the president and the prime minister, who congratulated all those involved in the effort. The army said Tuesday's missile test was witnessed by top military officers, including Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, Gen. Rashad Mahmood.In an address in the exercise area, Gen. Mahmood commended the technical and operational excellence achieved in operating the state-of-the-art weapon system. He expressed his satisfaction over the training goals achieved during the exercise and expected that the officers and soldiers entrusted with the task of deterring aggression would continue to maintain professional excellence.
Pakistan High Commissioner to India Abdul Basit
rocated and that is the best way forward," he added. To a question if the tough posturing by some BJP members and its affiliate groups caused concern, Basit said that in election time "we understand that it is all part of poll rhetoric". Basit also added that whosoever comes to power after the general elections in India would get a "felicitation message" from Pakistan. Basit, who is believed to be tipped to become the next foreign secretary, said his country hoped the new government in India "would be stable and
would not be a repetition of the past". He said his country is "very keenly looking forward to a government with which Pakistan can quickly, comprehensively and meaningfully engage". Stressing on dialogue as the way forward to resolve all outstanding issues between the two countries, Basit also expressed disappointment that Pakistani players were not allowed to participate in the hugely-popular Indian Premier League cricket tournament, terming it as an example of a negativity in ties that needed to be addressed.
Nepal government to inspect Mt Everest avalanche site
Pak ministry moves to shutdown Geo TV

lsamabad: Pakistan's defense ministry has asked for the country's top-rating television channel to be shut down after it broadcast allegations blaming an intelligence agency for shooting a leading journalist, officials said. The ministry wrote to the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) asking it to cancel the broadcasting license of Geo television and take legal action against its staff. The move comes after Geo aired claims that Pakistan's powerful Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) agency was behind the shooting of top anchor Hamid Mir in Karachi on Saturday. Mir, who hosts a primetime current affairs chat show on Geo and is probably Pakistan's best-known journalist, is currently recovering after being shot at least three times in his car. After the attack Geo aired comments by Mir's brother Amir Mir, also a journalist, saying the ISI was to blame. The defence ministry's letter, seen by AFP, accused Geo of a "vicious campaign libellous and scandalous in nature" and
An avalanche hit the Khubuche area near Camp 1 of Mount Everest killed 13 Sherpas
Kathmandu: Five days after one of the deadliest avalanches hit Nepal's mountaineering area, the country's government ordered inspection of the disaster site at the very earliest, officials said. The government's latest move follows an announcement by ethnic Sherpas that they would boycott this spring's expeditions following the avalanche on the slopes that killed 13 Sherpas. The reluctance of the Sherpas, many of whom work as guides hired for mountaineering expeditions in the Himalayas, to participate in the mountaineering activities means the Himalayan nation could lose more than $3.5 million to be collected by way of royalty from the mountaineers this climbing season.
"We are visiting the accident site to gather first-hand information about the site and to decide if anything can be done by the state," Madhusudan Burlakoti, a joint secretary in Nepal's tourism ministry, said. An avalanche hit the Khubuche area near Camp 1 of Mount Everest early Friday morning, killing 13 Sherpas who were making technical preparations for this year's mountaineering season in the area. Three other missing Sherpas have not yet been traced.Even though the Nepal government announced a relief package which would provide $15,789 as insurance to the family of each of the deceased, the mountaineering support staff and guides are still divided over whether to resume the halted expeditions.
Geo News top anchor Hamid Mir was shot at in his car last weekend and ISI was blamed for the attack
said the channel was trying to undermine the integrity of an important state institution. Information Minister Pervez Rashid said Geo could defend the allegations when PEMRA starts hearing both parties to the complaint. No-one has claimed responsibility for shooting Mir, who escaped another attempt on his life last year when a bomb was found attached to his car. Mir has in the past criticized the Taliban and also Pakistan's armed forces, and media cam-
paign group Reporters Without Borders said he had told it on April 7 that the ISI was "conspiring... to cause me harm". The row comes at a delicate time for Pakistan's civilian-military balance, with former army chief general Pervez Musharraf on trial for treason. Some observers see the government's pursuit of the charges against Musharraf, relating to his 1999-2008 rule, as an attempt to assert civilian dominance once and for all.
INTERNATIONAL
21
Kerry urges Russia to help implement Ukraine deal

Washington: US Secretary of State John Kerry has urged Russia to "take concrete steps" to help implement the agreement aimed at defusing tensions in Ukraine. In his telephone talk with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, Kerry urged Russia to publicly call on "separatists to vacate illegal buildings and checkpoints, accept amnesty, and address their grievances politically," Xinhua quoted State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki as saying at a press briefing. Russia, Ukraine, the European Union and the US signed an agreement in Geneva last Thursday to de-escalate crisis in Ukraine, but militants in eastern Ukraine refused to heed the deal. Kerry told Lavrov that Russia needs to demonstrate commitment reiterated that Russia could face additional sanctions if it fails to help ease the tension in Ukraine. "If there is not progress within days, we remain prepared, along with our European and G-7 partners, to impose additional costs on Russia for its destabilizing actions," White House spokesman Jay Carney told a press briefing.
War with Ukraine unlikely: Russia

John Kerry spoke to Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov
to the Geneva agreement "in both its rhetoric and its actions" and "what is needed is true de-escalation," Psaki said. The top US diplomat also called on Russia to assign a senior diplomat to work with the mission of
Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe in eastern Ukraine to "make absolutely clear to the separatists that Russia supports the agreement and wants deescalation". On Monday, the White House
Moscow: A war between Russia and Ukraine is most unlikely, a senior Russian defence official said."I don't believe the Russians and Ukrainians will fight each other," Deputy Defence Minister Anatoly Antonov said. Russian and Ukrainian military commanders continued to maintain contact, though this had reduced considerably. Among the issues the two defense ministries are currently
discussing are returning Ukrainian weapons left in Crimea and the return of servicemen recruited from Crimea to the Ukrainian army, he said. Crimea acceded to Russia March 18 following a popular referendum not recognized by Kiev and Western powers. Antonov also described as false allegations that Russia had beefed up its military presence in the border areas with Ukraine.
Obama signs bill barring Iran's UN envoy-designate

London: US President Barack Obama has signed a bill barring Iran's UN envoy-designate from entering the country, saying that he had engaged in "terrorist activities". The bill that Obama signed into law Friday passed both houses of Congress over envoy-designate Hamid Aboutalebi's links to the students who seized the US embassy in Tehran in 1979 and held American diplomats hostage for 444 days, BBC reported. "I share the Congress' concern that individuals who have engaged in such activity may use the cover of diplomacy to gain access to our nation," Obama said on signing the bill. The US House of Representatives and the Senate had both voted requesting Obama to pass the bill. Iran has lodged a formal complaint with the UN over the rejection. Iran's deputy envoy at the UN, Hossein Dehghani, has asked Committee on Relations with the Host Country for a meeting over the decision, saying the the 1947 Headquarters Agreement where the US is generally required to grant visas to persons invited to the UN in New York. "This decision of the US government has indeed negative implications for multilateral diplomacy and will create a dangerous precedence and affect adversely the work of intergovernmental organisations and activities of their member states," Dehghani was quoted as saying. Aboutalebi, a senior political adviser to Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, has previously served as the Iranian ambassador to Italy, Belgium and Australia.
The Australian Broadcasting Corporation has said it has been told material reported to have washed ashore is "metallic and about 2.5 metres long.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu
Decide between peace with Hamas or Israel: Netanyahu

Jerusalem/Gaza: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu slammed reports of growing communication between the rival Palestinian Hamas and Fatah movements, demanding that the Palestinian president choose between peace with Hamas or with Israel. "Instead of moving into peace with Israel, (Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas) is moving into peace with Hamas," Netanyahu said following a meeting with Austrian Foreign Affairs Minister Sebastian Kurz in Jerusalem. "He has to choose. Does he want peace with Hamas or peace with Israel? You can have one but not the other. I hope he chooses peace, so far he hasn't done so," Netanyahu said in a statement. He accused Abbas of foiling progress in the peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians, according to Xinhua. "We are trying to re-launch the negotiations with the Palestinians," Netanyahu said. "Every time we reach that point, Abu Mazen (Abbas) stacks on additional condition which he knows that Israel cannot give." Netanyahu's statements come amid reports that the West Bank's ruling Fatah faction and the Gaza-governing Hamas faction were preparing to implement a historic deal after seven years of strife between the factions. While Israel has been negotiating with the Fatah-governed Palestinian Authority, it has considered Hamas a staunch militant enemy and the two were involved in war-time campaigns in 2008 and 2012. Hamas has objected to the peace talks and to acknowledging Israel in the past.
Malaysian jet: Washed up metal piece sparks speculations

Perth/Canberra: The search for the Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 that went missing March 8 took a new twist and set off fresh speculations with reports of some unidentified material washing ashore on the southwestern coast of Australia. Western Australia police have attended a report of material washed ashore 10 km east of Augusta (a town 300 km south of Perth) and have secured the material, the Joint Agency Coordination Centre (JACC) said in its latest update. The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) is examining the photographs of the material to determine whether further physical analysis is required and if there is any relevance to the search of missing flight MH370, it said. The ATSB has also provided the photographs to the Malaysian investigation team, the JACC said, adding that no further information was available at this time. The Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) has said it has been told material reported to have washed ashore is "metallic and about 2.5 metres long. Western Australia's Emergency Services Minister Joe Francis said it was possible the pieces found could have come from the missing flight. "It wouldn't surprise me if sooner or later... if there was debris floating, it would end up on the West Australian coast," he told ABC local radio in Perth. But Francis stressed that he did not have any information to suggest the debris was from the missing flight. Local media in Western Australia said that an ATSB spokesman confirmed that the piece of debris was "interesting" and its report described the unidentified material as "sheet metal with rivets". The planned air search activities were suspended Wednesday due to poor weather conditions in the search area in the southern Indian Ocean west of Australia. According to the JACC, the Bluefin-21 autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) has completed 80 percent of the planned underwater search for the missing jet's wreckage. Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 vanished mysteriously about an hour after taking off for Beijing from Kuala Lumpur shortly after midnight March 8. The Boeing 777-200ER was scheduled to land in Beijing the same morning. The 227 passengers on board included five Indians, 154 Chinese and 38 Malaysians.
22
BUSINESS
Washington: Calling India South Asia's growth engine, a US official wondered whether the new Indian government will make the reforms necessary to attract investment and capitalize on opportunities ahead. "Those are the questions that India's voters are asking as they cast their ballots and those are the questions that we want to see answered," Nisha Desai Biswal, Washington's Indian-American point person for South Asia, said. "We know that India has the potential to exceed all of our expectations, and it has done so in the past," she said speaking on "US Foreign Policy in South Asia: A Vision for Prosperity and Security" at Harvard University's Kennedy School of Government in Cambridge, Massachusetts. "But to do so we believe India's investment and tax policies must be designed to lure, not deter capital flows; timely regulatory approvals and contract enforcement must be embraced; and protection of intellectual property must be enforced," said Biswal, the assistant secretary of state for South and Central Asian Affairs.
US seeks investment-friendly Indian government Cadbury India now named
Mondelez India Foods

New Delhi: The world's largest snacks compamy Mondelez International said it has changed the name of its Indian subsidiary Cadbury India Limited to Mondelez India Foods Limited. The change in name of Cadbury is in line with the gradual changeover The change in name of the company of the name of all sub- will have no impact on the names or packaging of its popular products sidiaries of Mondelez and facilities. We view this International globally. With the change in name of change as yet another milestone the company to Mondelez India in this exciting journey of success Foods Limited, we conclude the and leadership, Anand said in a process of transition that began statement. The change in name of over two years ago, said Manu the company will have no impact Anand, managing director of on the names or packaging of its popular products like Cadbury Mondelez India. We are today the pre-eminent Dairy Milk, 5 Star, Gems, and most loved food company in Bournville, Perk, Celebrations, India with leadership in fast Choclairs, Halls, Bournvita, Tang growing categories, strong route and Oreo, which will continue to to market, robust innovation be sold under the same brand pipeline and world class talent names as before.
Nisha Desai Biswal, Washington's Indian-American point person for South Asia
"The more integrated India is into global markets and into the economic architecture of Asia, the more India's economy will grow and benefit the entire global economic system," she suggested. On its part, the US "is committed to growing the trade and investment ties between our two countries," Biswal said."We want to grow trade to $500 billion a year." "And, there's no question that India's economic success is vital to achieving the strategic aims that both our leaders have laid out," she said pledging "to look forward, and
not dwell on the past". Suggesting South Asia's "economic engine" India "faces real vulnerabilities", Biswal noted: "India's leaders have targeted to spend $1 trillion dollars over five years in infrastructure investment to close the infrastructure gap that prevents real growth in the manufacturing sector." "Yet it continues to have policies that inhibit foreign investment," she said. "India still ranks poorly amongst all countries as a hospitable place to invest and start a new business, ranked 134 out of 189 countries."
World to face acute food CBI probe sought into Vadra's land deal shortage by 2050: US expert
Washington: In a shocking report, a top scientist from the US Agency for I n t e r n a t i o n a l Development has warned that the world is less than 40 years away from a food shortage that would have serious implications for people and governments. For the first time in human history, food production would be limited on a global scale by the availability of land, water and energy, said Fred Davies, senior science advisor for the agency's bureau of food security. Food issues could become as politically destabilising by 2050 as energy issues are today, he told a gathering at the North American agricultural journalists' meeting in Washington, DC, this week. According to Davies, the world population would increase New Delhi: A plea has been filed in the Delhi High Court seeking a CBI probe into licenses granted to several real estate developers, including the one with which Congress chief Sonia Gandhi's son-in-law Robert Vadra's Skylight Hospitality Pvt. Ltd. is associated, for developing colonies in Haryana. Advocate M.L. Sharma moved the high court, saying several licenses were issued to developers and builders for turning 21,366 acres of land into colonies. In the plea, he contended that allocation of licenses for developing colonies was contrary to provisions of the Haryana Development and Regulation of Urban Areas Act, 1975. The plea also sought quashing of the June 3, 2013 letter by Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) Shashi Kant Sharma allegedly rolling back the audit and inquiry into the grant of license to Skylight Hospitality Pvt. Ltd. The plea contended that the inquiry was ordered by Shashi Kant Sharma's predecessor Vinod Rai.
30 percent to nine billion people by mid-century. That would call for a 70 percent increase in food to meet demand. Agricultural productivity, food security, food safety, the environment, health, nutrition and obesity - they are all interconnected. One in eight people worldwide already suffers from chronic undernourishment and 75 percent of the world's chronically poor are in the mid-income nations such as China, India, Brazil and the Philippines.
Congress chief Sonia Gandhi's son-in-law Robert Vadra
The petitioner claimed that the Department of Town and Country Planning (DTCP) issued hundreds of licenses for over 21,000 acres of land spread over Gurgaon and other parts of the state from 2005-2012. "Issuing of colony licenses by the DTCP in Haryana in the name of an individual who is not owner of a land is not only illegal but also clear case of corruption within the provi-
sion of PC Act 1988. To support or give undue favor is an corruption what has been hatched in the Haryana colony licence deal for Robert Vadra and others," the plea said. The public interest litigation was filed against the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), CAG, Skylight Hospitality, Robert Vadra, and DLF Universal Limited.
SPORTS
23
Apex court asks Mudgal to probe IPL scandal

that would assist his committee in investigating the matter. The court also said that Mudgal committee will also submit to the office of the apex court's Secretary general the audio recording of the interaction that Indian skipper M.S.Dhoni, Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) president N. Srinivasan and IPL's chief operating officer Sunder Raman had with the probe committee. The secretary general would in turn inform the lawyers Rohini Mousa and Amit Sibal of the date and time when that audio would be played for then. Justice Mudgal earlier submitted a report, as asked by the Supreme Court, that had indicted Gurunath Meiyappan, son-inlaw of Srinivasan, for involvement in betting during the sixth edition of the Indian Premier League. The court's decision to ask Mudgal to head the panel shows that it is not inclined to accept the three-member panel proposed by the BCCI for a free and fair probe. The panel was to have Ravi Shastri, former Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) head R.K. Raghavan and former chief justice of the Calcutta High Court J.N. Patel as members. Earlier in the day, senior counsel Abhishek Manu Singhvi opposed the entire panel suggested by the BCCI, and contended that each one of them is placed in a situation of conflict of interest.
Jeev wins Asian Tour Lowest Putting Average award

Jakarta: Indian veteran golfer Jeev Milkha Singh was given the Lowest Putting Average award with his 1.71 putts per green in regulation ratio at the 2013 Asian Tour Awards Night as the region's top performers were honored. The 42-year-old was also nominated for the Player of the Decade (2004-13) award but lost out to Thai star Thongchai Jaidee. Thongchai bagged two more awards, taking home the Lowest Stroke Average (69.46) and the Greens in Regulation (75 percent) titles as well. Held here Tuesday night ahead of the Indonesian Masters which starts Thursday, talented Thai Kiradech Aphibarnrat swept the Players' Player of the Year title, the Special Achievement Award as well as the prestigious Order of Merit crown. The 24-year-old Kiradech won once and posted five other top-5 finishes in 2013 to earn over $1 million, becoming only the second
Indian veteran golfer Jeev Milkha Singh
Justice Mukul Mudgal
New Delhi: Not favoring the probe panel proposed by the Indian cricket board, the Supreme Court asked the Justice Mukul Mudgal Committee if it would investigate the IPL's betting and spot fixing scandal last year. A bench of Justice A.K.Patnaik and Justice Fakkir Mohamed Ibrahim Kalifulla asked the counsel for Mudgal committee to apprise the court April 29 whether he would take up the task. As it resumed hearing in the post-lunch session Tuesday, the court said that if Mudgal decides to undertake the probe, he will also name the investigation agency
man to achieve the feat in Asian Tour history. Canada's Richard T. Lee scooped the Rookie of the Year award after his memorable debut season where he posted three top-10s to finish 32nd on the Order of Merit. Australia's Scott Hend, who enjoyed three brilliant victories in Thailand, Chinese Taipei and Macau, won the Driving Distance category with an average distance of 317 yards. Brazil's Adilson Da Silva proved to be the straightest driver when he won the
Driving Accuracy Award with 77.23 percent of fairways and Thailand's Chapchai Nirat chalked up the most number of birdies to become the Birdie Leader with a haul of 308. The Amata Spring Country Club, venue for the Thailand Golf Championship, was voted the Best Golf Course for the third consecutive year while Alpine Golf Resort, venue of the inaugural Chiangmai Golf Classic, was recognised as the Best Golf Resort for its club facilities and amenities.
Virat has made a place for himself: Srinath

Virat Kohli
World T20 most watched shortest format tournament on TV

The 2014 edition of the T20 World Cup, won by Sri Lanka, has been seen by a record 13.31 crore individuals across the country.
New Delhi: The 2014 ICC World Twenty20 has emerged as the most watched international T20 tournament on TV as well as digital domain in India. According to data provided by research agency TAM, the 2014 edition of the T20 World Cup has been seen by a record 13.31 crore individuals across the country. This is 23.4 percent higher than the reach generated in the 2012 edition and
more than 57 percent if compared with the 2010 edition. When extrapolated to All India Universe, as per standard industry conversions, around 39 crore Indians watched the recently concluded ICC World T20. The video streaming of ICC World T20 2014 on starsports.com generated 2.24 crore visits. The video streaming of ICC World T20 2014 on starsports.com, Indias first multi-
sports digital service, has garnered unprecedented traction on the digital domain. The ICC World T20 final between India and Sri Lanka on starsports.com attracted a record 19.3 lakh individuals watching video on the destination, delivering an unprecedented 37.6 lakh visits. Overall, starsports.com attracted more than 80.9 lakh users during the fortnight-long tournament delivering more than 2.24 crore visits.
New Delhi: Former fast bowler Javagal Srinath lauded Virat Kohli for creating a place for himself in Indian cricket. Srinath, now an International Cricket Council (ICC) match referee, said Kohli is never compared to the likes of Sachin Tendulkar or Rahul Dravid. "Virat has done exceptionally well for himself. He is such a great player. Nobody compares him with Sachin or Dravid. He has found his place in Indian cricket," said Srinath during an interaction at Gillete's Men of Inner Steel initiative. Srinath's long-time partner Venkatesh Prasad said that legend Sunil Gavaskar, who is the interim
chief of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), is the real Man of Steel. "I feel Mr. Gavaskar is the real Man of Steel. He has survived international cricket for 15 years and has faced some of the quicker bowlers without any helmet. He is a great leader and deserves to lead the BCCI," said Prasad. Former India captain Ajit Wadekar, under whom Gavaskar made his Test debut, also concurred with Prasad and said that his teammate is the perfect role model. "Sunny is a great role model. He is calm and composed and the perfect man to lead Indian cricket," he said.
24
US AFFAIRS
Senator Lee Zeldin: On the NRCC Radar List

By Robert Golomb his past November the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) informed 34-year-old attorney Republican Senator Lee Zeldin, whose NYS Suffolk County Third Senate District covers major portions of Islip and Brookhaven, that he would be placed on their congressional candidate Radar List. The NRCC, which is known to have its eyes set on expanding its current hold of 34 seats in the House of Representatives, reserves placement on this list to Republican congressional candidates in competitive races thought to have legitimate chances of winning in this coming falls election. Placement on this list is known to be followed with what the NRCC has written to be, the tools they [the candidates] need to run winning campaigns against their Democrat opponents. NRCCs selection of Zeldin came within weeks after the State Senator made his announcement to seek the Republican nomination to challenge 6-term incumbent Democrat Tim Bishop in the First Congressional District, which, running from Smithtown to Montauk is the most eastern district in the state, has been in Democratic hands since Bishop was first elected in 2002. Zeldin told me in a recent interview that he viewed placement on this list as A tremendous shot in the arm to my campaign... The support we will receive [from the NRCC] is crucial in our efforts of how to build a strong economy at home and how to be trusted by our friends and respected by our adversaries abroad. It is general knowledge in Republican circles that Zeldin was not placed on the Radar List by chance. A sitting State Senator first elected over Democrat incumbent Brian Foley in 2010 and reelected against Democratic challenger Francis Genco in 2012, both times with margins in the double digits, Zeldin is said to bring to the Republican Party an already established political organization, a strong voter base and a well known conservative voting record as a State Senator. All of which, however, didnt discourage George Demos, a relatively unknown former SEC enforcement attorney, from challenging him in the coming Republican Party June primary. However, both Democratic and Republican insiders across Suffolk County give Demos,
The 2-term NYS Senator Lee Zeldin has served in the US Army.
New York State Senator Lee Zeldin is seeking Republican nomination to challenge 6-term incumbent Democrat Tim Bishop in the First Congressional District in Long Island. The National Republican Congressional Committee believes he can win and is committed to support him with tools needed to run a winning campaign for the election this fall.
tax paid by middle class New Yorkers to the lowest level in six decades.... By contrast Mr. Bishop as a Congressman voted for almost every bill that was introduced by President Obama and the Democratic leadership. Much of that contained wasteful spending which has increased the power and reach of the federal government and has resulted in an increase of over six trillion dollars to our national debt, adding up to a total debt of a staggering 17 trillion dollars - a debt, unless decisive actions are taken, that will be transferred to our children and grandchildren. Moving to an issue that he has not directly faced on a state level, Zeldin added, The issue most on the mind of many voters I meet remains Obamacare. Mr. Bishop was first a major supporter, then a defender and now an apologist for a program that is displacing patients from their doctors and causing real harm to them and their entire families.... If elected, my first domestic priority will be to help repeal Obamacare and replace it with real health care reform, that will improve upon, not destroy, what was once the best health care system in the world. Still, Zeldin reserved his harshest criticism of Bishop for issues other than what Zeldin believes to be misguided votes on the budget and health care. It is the responsibility and moral duty of a Congressman to speak out against the actions and policies of any President, even one of the same party, Zeldin asserted. And yet, Mr. Bishop has been silent about the [Obama] Administrations use of IRS to target conservative, Christian and pro-Israeli organizations.... He has been deafeningly silent about the Administrations stonewalling of the Benghazi and the Fast and Furious Investigations.... He has been silent as the Obama Administration has consistently taken positions that threaten the very survival of our closest ally Israel. Zeldin, who from 2003-2007 served as an Active Duty officer with the U.S. Army including a deployment to Iraq as a member of an airborne unit in 2006, currently holds the rank of major in the Army Reserves. I joined the military, he said, because I understand that the freedom and liberties we enjoy can never be taken for granted. 9/11 taught us we have enemies who seek to take that freedom and liberty from us and seek to murder Americans and destroy America.... I feel the greatest honor is to help protect our country and its people. That is why I served as a United States Paratrooper in Iraq and that is why I serve as a Major in the United States Army Reserves today. Zeldin, a Long Island native who together with his wife Diana is raising their seven-yearold twin daughters, Mikayla and Ariana, told me that his children are the most important reasons behind his decision to run for Congress. Just like all parents, he said, I love my children with all of my heart and soul. I want to be elected to Congress to help insure that my two daughters and all children throughout our beautiful land will continue to enjoy the freedom and opportunity that has made America the greatest nation in the history of the world. Maybe that is the real reason the NRCC placed him on their Radar List. Robert Golomb is a nationally published columnist. MrBob347@aol.com
whose funding has been reported by several other newspapers to come almost exclusively from California Democratic donors, no chance of winning the primary and believe virtually unanimously that it will be a Zeldin vs. Bishop contest this coming November. Concerning Demos ties to Democratic donors Zeldin commented, I find it a bit strange that a candidate being funded by Democratic Donors in California suddenly emerges to run in a Republican Primary in a race that Republicans have a real chance to win. And then, quickly referring to internal polls showing he maintains a huge lead over Demos, Zeldin added, You never want to be over-confident in politics, but we feel confident we will win the primary and will be prepared and ready for the fall campaign. Zeldin had better be prepared and ready for his presumed race against Bishop. The 64-year-old incumbent congressman has proven over the past 10 years to be a very formidable politician. After defeating the then oneterm Republican incumbent Felix Grucci in 2002, Bishop went on to win the 2004, 2006 and 2008 elections by double digit margins. Bishops opponent in that 2008 race was the then political neophyte Lee Zeldin himself. Those double digit margins, however, evaporated in the 2010 election against Republican candidate Randy Altschuler. Bishop went on to win that race, the closest Congressional contest in the nation that year, by a mere 50.2% to 49.8%, leaving many Republicans predicting at the time that Bishop would be defeated in 2012. That prediction didnt come true, however, as Bishop - running with a growingly unpopular in the district
President Obama on the top of the ticket - still managed to defeat Altshuler again: This time with a 52.5% to 47.5% margin, which left many Democrats and even some Republicans regarding Bishop as an unbeatable political Houdini. Zeldin, however, scoffed at the suggestion that Bishop is unbeatable. Pointing to the 19,000 voter edge that Republicans now hold over Democrats in the First Congressional District and noting that the Conservative Party, which has already endorsed him, has approximately 11,000 registered voters, Zeldin told me, I believe those numbers indicate the First Congressional District is at its heart a moderate to conservative district. Mr. Bishop has done a good job in the past of deceiving the voters by portraying himself as a moderate Democrat. But I believe the voters are now seeing through this deception, so if, as I plan to do, run an effective grassroots campaign, I believe I can win. Such an effective campaign, Zeldin explained, involves explaining to voters how, if elected, his future votes on key legislation would contrast with those Bishop has cast in the past - something, he admitted, he failed to do six years ago Six years can be a lifetime in politics, stated Zeldin. It will be my job to show voters how my voting record in the State Senate these past four years - a record I didnt have in 2008 - will indicate how I will vote in the House of Representatives, and how that differs from the voting record of Mr. Bishop. As a state senator, Zeldin continued, I was a leader in passing legislation that enacted the most significant property tax cap in America, and I also successfully worked on legislation that helped reduce the income
BOOKS
25
e churns out bestsellers which tempt filmmakers to lend them to big screen adaptations. The success ratio of Hindi movies inspired by Chetan Bhagat's books has so far been high, and with the promising response to "2 States", he seems to be cementing his place in the Bollywood circuit. "My readers' silent support is my biggest strength. Today you displayed it to the nation. Thank you for the phenomenal opening. '2 States'," Bhagat had posted last week, the day when the Arjun Kapoor-Alia Bhatt starrer hit the screens to houseful shows across India. The movie is based on his bestseller "2 States: The Story Of My Marriage" about a couple coming from two different Indian states. It was an instant hit in 2009. Said to be inspired by the real-life story of the north Indian author and his wife, Anusha, who is from Tamil Nadu, the book found a connect with youth and elders alike. Now, the movie seems to be working its magic with viewers of all age groups and managed an opening day collection of over
Chetan Bhagat: Hitting the right notes with Bollywood

Rs.12 crore - "commendable", according to trade analysts. The lead pair of 2 States, Arjun Kapoor and Alia Bhatt, are two of the most talented young actors. Like several youngsters their age, the two actors also have memories attached to the book. While Alia had read it before it was getting made into a film and found it to be "beautiful", Arjun has said that the bestseller occupies a space on his late mother Mona Shourie Kapoor's bookshelf till date. Whether 16 or 60, people of different sensibilities, generations and ideas are flocking to the theaters to watch the movie, about two states, different cultures and families and one love story. Even celebrities have loved it. Commenting on the movie, megastar Amitabh Bachchan has said: " '2 States'...I like. All aspects just so correct - writing, directing, music and performances." Actor Vivek Oberoi tweeted: "In my opinion Chetan Bhagat is by far the most successful contemporary Indian writer of our times! His individual fan following is epic. He has an incredible ability to communi-
Chetan Bhagat with wife Anusha at Times 100 Most Influential People gala in New York 2012. Yes, the new Hindi movie 3 States is loosely based on their love story.
cate, especially with the youth." "2 States" is the fourth out of his five works to get a film version. Two managed to paint a successful box office story - "3 idiots" (based on "Five Point Someone") and "Kai Po Che!" (based on "The 3 Mistakes Of My Life"), while "Hello", inspired by his "One Night @ the Call Center" did not get a great reception. Nevertheless, following the success of "Kai Po Che!" last year, it was only natural for viewers and readers to have high expectations from the Abhishek Varman-directed "2 States". In times when remakes and sequels are swarming the Bollywood scenario, Bhagat is among the few new-age authors whose books have been constantly picked by filmmakers for the big screen. It works in his interest too! Bhagat, in a recent interview, said: "I like to reach more Indians, and movies help me do so. The bigger the audience I have, the more likely they are to read my non-fiction columns on national issues or be interested in my views."
By Shilpa Raina
How Marquez's 'magic realism' captivated Indians!

legacy of monumental works in both fiction and non-fiction and was definitely a multi-dimensional personality. "He was truly one of the greatest writers of the last century who continued with the great tradition of writing both fiction and non-fiction. He had this ability of writing fiction based on facts. So, he had the eye and talent of a fiction writer, and his journalistic experience had given him an active sense of the world," diplomat and author Navtej Sarna commented. "He had also played an active role in Colombian politics, and was a man of letters in his own way," added Sarna. Author of many short stories and acclaimed writings like "Autumn of the Patriarch" and "Love in the Time of Cholera", Gabo played an active role in negotiations between guerrillas and the Colombian government, was friendly with the Cuban ruler Fidel Castro, and had longest feud with fellow writer, the Peruvian Mario Vargas Llosa. Despite these complex associations, Marquez's writings always came across as liberal and independent. It was the idea of magical
ormer Indian prime minister P.V. Narasimha Rao, a polyglot, once told interlocutors he had read many works of Nobel laureate Gabriel Garcia Marquez in the original Spanish and was an ardent fan of his storytelling. He wasn't the only one. Many Indians fondly remember the Colombian literary luminary who introduced "magic realism" into literature and was a gifted writer who showcased local paradigms in a universal language. It was in the late 1950s that novelist, short-story writer and journalist Marquez introduced "magic realism" - a genre where magical elements naturally occur in an otherwise realistic world with the characters accepting it as a normal part of life - into the Latin American literature with his everpopular "One Hundred Years of Solitude". "He would write on different subjects with great expertise. He was an independent, liberal and a bohemian writer who will be revered for his literary genius," Deepak Bhojwani, former Indian
Nobel laureate Gabriel Garcia Marquez and his best known novel, One Hundred Years of Solitude
ambassador to Colombia, said. "He will be mourned in India as much as in other countries," he added. "His ability to use local paradigms and put them in a universal perspective in such a manner that people would relate to these local situations, sitting in their own homes thousand miles away, was incredible," S.P. Ganguly, former professor of Spanish and Latin American Studies at JNU in Delhi said.
"He was the pioneer of a group of writers in late 1950s who had introduced 'boom' literature in Latin America. It was a new concept of writing where he juxtaposed conceptual reality with circumstantial reality," he added. Affectionately known as Gabo to many, the literary luminary died recently in Mexico City. He was 87. Recipient of the Literature Nobel in 1982 for his novels and short stories, Marquez leaves behind a
realism that made Marquez's writings even more attractive to people all over the globe. But the juxtaposition of history and fiction is what has made him an inter-disciplinary author to be read and taught in various universities around the world, with India being one of them. "His writings can be taught in the department of history, literature and even psychology. His works bring this inter-disciplinary approach that make him a favorite author to be read in various departments," said Ganguly. According to Ganguly, other than "One Hundred Years of Solitude", not many of his works have been translated in Indian languages. But most of his short stories have reached out to many Indians as they have been translated in Hindi, Punjabi, Marathi, Malayalam and Bengali. "His revolutionary expressions, easy language and the ability to dramatise situations and create a visual imaginary through his writings make him one of the best authors of his time... Though not much of his oeuvre has been translated in other Indian languages," he said.
26
SELF HELP
Things to consider when estate planning
ou may worry about what will happen to your house and property when youre no longer willing or able to care for it -- particularly if you own property that has special meaning to you, such as a family home or woodlands. With so many options on the table, its important to research the facts, make important decisions and get paperwork started. When it comes to estate planning, here are some things to consider:
82,000 family forest owners sustainably managing 24 million acres of woodlands. Your Family Your plan for your propertys future wont work if your family cant or isnt willing to put it into action. Kuebler, an expert on family forest outreach, recommends getting them involved if you plan to pass your land on to them. If your family lacks a connection to your land, it can lead to conflict when planning for the future, says Kuebler. Talk to your family about your experiences on your land. Go on a hike. The more you camp, fish, hunt, work and play on the property together, the more theyll appreciate and value it. Take advantage of free online tools that can help your family manage your land and plan for its future. For example, My Land
Your Legacy Ask yourself, is my property an asset or an heirloom? If its not important for you to keep your land in the family, you must determine whether you want to sell it or give it away to charity. Both options have important financial and tax benefits and drawbacks.
Ask an estate planner or tax advisor about them. Find an Estate Planner Start by asking people you trust for recommendations. Once you have a list of names, conduct informal interviews. Ask questions that can help ensure that a planners interests and skills fit your needs before you commit to
working together. Look for someone with significant experience particularly with land assets and families, who has up-to-date knowledge of the field and relevant laws, and possesses expertise in woodland or has a forestry background, says Caroline Kuebler, Outreach Manager of the American Tree Farm System, a network of
Plan`s mapping tool can be used to mark out features on your land, including areas that are special to you and your family. The site also features a journal, which can be used to capture family memories, upload photos, record wildlife sightings and more. In the property history section, you can document how you first acquired your land. Such tools can be a great way to introduce the next generation to your land and what makes it so important to you. The non-profit website My Land Plan also contains a wealth of information on options for your land, such as conservation agreements and trusts. To learn more or sign up for a free account, visit www.MyLandPlan.org. Estate planning is complex. So dont assume that it can wait. Your family can only carry out your wishes if youve thought them through and shared them.
raphenes reputation as a miracle material is well established. Now the new discovery comes from a team of scientists at Trinity College in Dublin who wanted to industrialize the process that had originally led to graphenes discovery. First manufactured by a pair of chemists from Manchester University, the single atom-thick layers of carbon were famously isolated using the lo-fi method of peeling off sheets of the stuff from powdered graphite (the material found in pencil tips) with sellotape. To this end the team from Dublin sought to speed up this shearing process by mixing together graphite powder, washing-up liquid and water, and then blitzing it in a high-power blender for up to half an hour at a time. The resulting black goop contained large micrometer-sized flakes of graphene suspended in the water. Now, before you make a grab for the pencils and Fairy Liquid, the team of Trinity College scientists, led by Jonathan Coleman, stressed that determining exactly the right balance of detergent and graphene requires the use of a lab-grade spectrometer and that subsequently separating out the material from the solution is even more difficult. The end product is not as high quality as that produced by the labs that grow the material from vapor atom by atom, but the process (already patented) could still be fantastically useful, with the resultant
Miracle material graphene can be made using a kitchen blender
could use a household surfactant (dishwashing liquid)," explains Coleman in a paper published online in the journal Natural Materials. "However, I'm not sure I'd want to make a smoothie in a blender that has just been filled with graphite."
Graphene is an atomic-scale honeycomb lattice made of carbon atoms. It is super thin yet stronger than diamond and conducts electricity and heat better than any material ever discovered. It is likely to play an important role in many products and processes in the future.
About Graphene
raphene is an emerging material that could change the way electronic components are made and help computing performance continue to grow, is everywhere in the research world these days.
graphene flakes suited for an array of applications in everything from manufacturing faster electronics to water bottles that use less plastic and have a longer shelf life. Currently the market for manufacturing graphene is booming as investors throw money at various companies. However, a lot of the material produced is of low quality, with defects in the atomic structure or chemical contaminants reducing the materials efficacy. Early studies suggest that Colemans process could be scaled up from the kitchen blender to an industrial, 10,000 liter vat that could produce as much as 100 gm of graphene per hour. If you were to try this at home, you
This month alone, advancements suggested it could boost internet speeds, serve as a touch sensitive coating and extend the lives of computers. It is stronger than diamond and conducts electricity and heat better than any material ever discovered, and it will likely play an important role in many products and processes in the future. Graphene is made of a single layer of carbon atoms that are bonded together in a repeating pattern of hexagons. Graphene is one million times thinner than paper; so thin that it is actually considered two dimensional.
here are plenty of fish in the sea, so its important to know which are safe to put on your plate. Farmed seafood can serve up a variety of benefits -- affordability, year-round availability and great taste. If youve heard negative press about farmed seafood, you may have questions. Before passing on farmed seafood at the supermarket, take the time to learn the truth about some common myths. Myth: Fish farming is bad. Fact: Farming seafood can provide a consistent, high-quality, year-round supply of healthy, flavorful protein. When done right, aquaculture, can be safe for the environment and a crucial supplement to wildcaught seafood. Avoid seafood raised with poor farming practices that cause water pollution and overuse chemicals and antibiotics. Ask your fishmonger for specifics on where their seafood comes from. Be careful if they cannot provide details. Myth: Farmed fish is raised with antibiotics and hormones. Fact: There are ways to avoid this, so ask questions. David Pilat, global seafood buyer for Whole Foods Market, recommends asking your fishmonger if farmed fish was fed a nutritious diet without antibiotics, pesticides or added growth hormones, which are prohibited at the companys stores. Ideally, fish farms should be audited annually by third parties to ensure requirements are met. Myth: Fish farming is bad for the environment. Fact: Progressive fish farms do their part to minimize environmental impact by protecting such sensitive habitats as mangrove forests and wetlands, monitoring water quality to prevent pollution, and sourcing feed ingredients responsibly. Myth: Farmed salmon are kept in crowded pens. Fact: Any fishmonger worth their (sea) salt can tell you how the fish they sell was raised. Carefully monitored environments that are best suited to each species can help avoid issues such as pollution, disease and cramped conditions. Get the facts -- know where farmed fish swam, what it was fed, and more importantly, what it wasn't fed! With many wild species declining, farmed seafood can be an excellent, affordable and tasty alternative if you ask the right questions.
Is farmed seafood safe to eat?
LIFESTYLE
27
Learn how to deal with unpleasant memories

Victoria Beckham celebrates birthday with hiking
Los Angeles: Fashion designer Victoria Beckham marked her 40th birthday by hiking around America's famous Grand Canyon with her sports star husband David Beckham and children. She later returned to California for a special birthday dinner with family and friends at the luxury restaurant Nobu in Malibu, California reported contactmusic.com. Victoria documented the party by sharing picture of a personalized menu inside a birthday card. The inside of the card was decorated with a series of childhood snapshots. Victoria took to twitter writing: "Wonderful dinner at Nobu Malibu with my family and close friends, love u (sic) all so much & feel so blessed, good night." New York: However hard we may try, the worst memories refuse to leave us at peace, triggering emotional distress on most occasions. This may soon change as researchers have discovered an easy and effective way of dealing with bad memories. When these negative memories creep up, thinking about the context of the memories, rather than how you felt, is a relatively easy and an effective way to alleviate the negative effects of these memories, a new study has revealed. Thinking about the contextual elements of the memories significantly reduced their emotional impact. "Looking away from the worst emotions and thinking about the context, like a friend who was there or what the weather was like, will rather effortlessly take your mind away from the
unwanted emotions associated with (a negative) memory, said professor Florin Dolcos from Beckman Institute at University of Illinois. The researchers studied the behavioral and neural mechanisms of focusing away from emotion during recollection
of personal emotional memories. This strategy is a promising alternative to other emotion-regulation strategies, like suppression or reappraisal, suggested the study appeared in the journal Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience.
Yoga may be the answer to infertility

Los Angeles: Too much stress may cause infertility among women, says a new research. An expert suggests that yoga and meditation could help in battling with the problem. Former science teacher and yoga therapist, Aliona Salaru says that stress affects the normal hormone balance in women's body and can result in major inconception, reports femalefirst.co.uk. "Trying to become pregnant can add even more pressure to an already stressed women. In the modern world, women often switch into chronic stress, resulting in many possible imbalances, including adrenal depletion, thyroid over or under function and shifts in sexual hormone balance, resulting in sexual dysfunction," said Salaru. The expert also suggests that yoga breathing techniques combined with yoga postures are known not only to be an effective stress reliever but also a tool to habitually ease the symptoms of anxiety. So, how exactly yoga helps to destress? Researchers at University of California-Los Angeles (UCLA) published a study revealing that: "Using simple daily meditations reduced the stress levels of people who care for those stricken by Alzheimer's and dementia." "Practicing a certain type of meditation for just 12-minute daily for eight weeks led to a reduction in the biological mechanisms responsible for an increase in the immune system's inflammation response. Inflammation, if constantly activated, can contribute to a multitude of chronic health problems." It said: "Yoga practice is well-known for optimizing the work of the endocrine system, thereby balancing the hormones. Practicing yoga will bring more blood to the pelvis, improving the sexual health, whilst mindful breathing will shut the constant chatter of the mind, decrease the heart rate and instantly relax."
Fashion trend 2014: Cellulite facts worth knowing Collarless coat

Los Angeles: For spring-summer 2014, the coat has been the focal point on most fashion catwalks with many designers and celebrities following the trend. But the style that emerged is the collarless coat. While there have been plenty of different styles, the streamlined coat minus the collar usually stands out with its super clean style, reports femalefirst.co.uk. The trend was recently spotted in the ramp shows of American multi-brand store J. Crew and Los Angeles-based women's wear brand Clover Canyon. A collarless coat with floral print as well as those in neutral and solid colors if you want something a little more wearable, are working well. Wear the collarless coat for work with a pencil skirt or trousers, or try a sleek jumpsuit or body-con dress for a date-night outfit. London: Cellulite, the fat beneath the skin that looks more like an orange peel, can plague women no end -- but not many are aware of the facts associated with the unwanted fat deposits. Skin care expert Jill Zander of the Jill Zander Skin Rejuvenation Clinic, in Surrey, provides a few facts on cellulite, reports femalefirst.co.uk: The different types: Adipose cellulite (firm cellulite, orange peel effect on loose skin), oedematous cellulite (fluid retention, soft cellulite often on loose skin), fibrotic cellulite (hard, compact cellulite with orange peel effect). Get moving and shaking: Cellulite forms in areas with the least circulation. Everyday energizing movements and skin warming exercises will make you say goodbye to dimpled skin if you are consistent with it. Running, swimming and brisk walking are the best form of exercises for increasing blood circulation and loosening the fat tissues. Do it yourself: Body brushing, massage and good scrubs support circulation. Little things help too: Cellulite is a big fan of women with inactive careers. Take breaks, make tea and walk and talk. All of these simple steps remind your rear it needs to keep in shape. Cellulite is often hereditary: Its likely your family members will be suffering from the same problem. Also, it is said that 95 percent of women have some type of cellulite somewhere on their body and post-pregnancy it can bring on uneven skin too.
28
HUMOR
Funny Bone by Nury Vittachi
e warned! As soon as you become any sort of "official", something weird happens to your brain, forcing you to fire bizarre questions at innocent people. I'm constantly cursed by these, as are readers. A businessman recently told local officials that he did not have a birth certificate. "No problem," they replied. "Just bring in the midwife who delivered you." Not a joke! They demanded eyewitness proof from the woman who slipped him out of the womb 64 years ago. (Memo to newborn readers: Get the woman's details now, before you forget.) That happened in India, which seems to specialize in officials who make weird demands. A friend of a friend was accompanying a coffin through the airport in Delhi when an official asked what he was doing. "I am transporting the deceased body of an employee," he explained. The official, after racking his brain for something to say, asked: "Did you kill him?" The passenger said he hadn't, but I would have replied: "Yes, for asking supremely idiotic questions." But in my experience, the ultimate masters of nonsensical questions are US immi-
The stupidest questions officials ever asked

gration officials. Typical conversation. Official: "You were born in Sri Lanka. How come you speak English?" Me: "Er, I learned it." Official: "Why did you learn it?" Me: "Um, it's useful." Official: "Useful for what?" The truth would be: "To communicate with oafs like you," but I usually say something like this: "So I can fully appreciate masterpieces of Western culture such as recording artiste Mr Bieber's exquisite rendition of Baby." (This impresses them and gets them on my side.) Officials once gave me a form which asked (I am not making this up): "Do you intend to commit terrorist acts while on US soil?" I wonder how many people answer "yes" to that question? Somebody must have for the question to remain on the visa form. A US reader named Helen told me about municipal officials in her country writing a policy document defining same-sex couples. By definition, couples must have regular, active "conjugal" relations, they decided. Helen said: "Council members, many of whom had been married for many years, suddenly realized that they had disqualified themselves." That's an impressive entry for a high score in the competitive weirdness index, but consider this entry from India. After two years in jail, a 27year-old man launched an appeal on the basis that he had been behind bars when the crime had been committed. I can imagine the discussion. Court official: "Do you have a scrap of proof that you did not commit this crime?" Defendant: "I was in a maximum security jail on the other side of town." Court official: "Other than that?" Meanwhile in Europe, officials in Jersey demanded residents file Certificates of Existence. A man who turned up to provide bodily proof of his existence was told that that wasn't good enough as he'd need paper proof and a witness. Going back to US immigration officials, a frequent contributor called Otis wondered if they ask the same questions off duty? Spouse: "Good morning, dear. Would you like a cup of tea?" Official: "Why is it a good morning? Did you make the tea yourself? Could anyone have added anything to the tea without your knowledge?"
Laughter is the Best Medicine
by Mahendra Shah
Mahendra Shah is an architect by education, entrepreneur by profession, artist and humorist, cartoonist and writer by hobby. He has been recording the plight of the immigrant Indians for the past many years in his cartoons. Hailing from Gujarat, he lives in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
ASTROLOGY
29
By Dr Prem Kumar Sharma

Stars Foretell: April 26-May 2, 2014
ARIES: Service people, artists and those in creative field will get several new opportunities. Evening enjoyed with family and close relatives brings immense pleasure. Better to ignore those who come for temporary loans to you in this week. Use new but innovative methods to catch the attraction of opposite sex. Meditation and yoga prove beneficial for spiritual as well as physical gains. Time to make your vacation a dream come true. Buying cheap property in the right location can provide you triple gain annually. In the company of friends you are likely to enjoy, as many good things happen at a same time. TAURUS: Your greatest gains will come through your creative ideas at professional front. You are likely to plan a short trip with family. Investment in antiques & jewelry brings monetary gains and improvement in financial position. Your wit & charm would help in catching the attention of opposite sex. A very healthy week when your cheerfulness gives the desired tonic and confidence. Affordable luxury vacation will explore your desires. Investing in property business sounds very appealing. You succeed in maintaining a distance from affairs that dont concern you at all. GEMINI: Dont forget to take the assistance of subordinates to enable yourself to complete pending work. Unexpected visit by old friend could give you a pleasant surprise. Long pending arrears and dues will finally be recovered. Love partner would be extremely supportive and in a loving mood. You are likely to maintain good health that would also give you success. Perfect getaway time for you and your partner. Banks love to finance those, who invest in properties which are underdevelopment. Your wit & repartee would immensely help in developing healthy relations with others. CANCER: At professional front, you will have to go through some strenuous schedule. Good advice from family members will help in reducing mental tension/pressure. Investment concerning residence will be profitable. A romantic week as you receive all praises from partner. A continuous positive thinking gets rewarded as you succeed in whatever you do in this week. A group of friends or your partner is looking forward for a vacation with you. A good deal on commercial property might occur. You impress others by your wit and repartee. LEO: Success is certain provided you work as a team. Sudden good news in the evening will bring cheers for the entire family. Financial hassles seem to get over as someone lends a timely helping hand. You find pleasure and enjoy ecstasies of love in the arms of partner. Make sure your entertainment includes participation in outdoor activities. A leisure trip will prove to be a premium time for you. Their might be a chance of acquiring a plot from your closed relative. You are likely to contemplate a new construction programme. VIRGO: You will be on the seventh heaven when you receive recognition for your achievements at work. Your efforts bring success & happiness at family front. Be secretive about your investments and future goals. You enjoy a lovely time as Cupid is on your side in this week. Creative hobbies are likely to keep you relaxed. You might get a chance for business trip, which will help you in new connections. You might deal in some ancestral property or any other parental property. You are likely to impress others by behaving politely & charmingly to everyone whosoever comes to you. LIBRA: Your creativity will amaze people around you besides enhancing career prospects. You achieve success in personal work with the timely help & support provided by family members. Promising week to invest surplus money in real estate. A special message from beloved/lover lifts spirits. With a positive outlook & confidence, you succeed in impressing people around you. Planning for traveling requires advice of persons whom you travel with. A deal regarding residential property can start moving on its right path. Inviting an annoyed old friend in party would renew your friendship. SCORPIO: New job opportunities for some will be better than expected. Misunderstandings with near ones in the family will get cleared. A sound financial health would enable to invest on lucrative schemes. Love companion will be eager to meet you in this week. Mental alertness would enable to solve a tricky problem. Traveling overseas would be an experience full of spark that enlightens your imagination. Discussing property matters with parents can help for better innovations. You might find yourself in the spotlight when your assistance is publicly acknowledged. SAGITTARIUS: At work you are likely to win appreciation and awards for past efforts. Children would do their best to keep you happy. Your brilliant ideas would help in bringing financial gains. Proposing might benefit, as chances of succeeding in love are high. A cheerful state of mind brings mental peace. Travel plans for better communication will be helpful for new horizons. Planning a property might explore new horizons for you and your family. You get a reward for your loyalty & ability to get things done with perfection. CAPRICORN: Timely and swift action would give an edge over others at professional front. You are likely to be benefited as family members positively respond. A promising week to earn profits in real estate and financial transactions. Search for a true romantic friend might end in this week. Good time to divert attention to spirituality to enhance mental toughness. It is important to delve into your desires before you plan to travel. Your friends and family will be of great support if you are trying for an office. You are likely to attract the attention of others by decent manners and intellectual talk. AQUARIUS: Colleagues and subordinates will lend a helping hand enabling to complete the work on time. Parents and friends will do their best to keep you happy. An improvement in monetary position makes it convenient to purchase essential items. Blossoming love life brings happiness. A pleasure trip gives the much-needed tonic to health. Business or vacation traveling is what you needed right now. Its time to make some property investments for your kids. A promising week to revive old contacts especially with close friends. PISCES: Success in completing difficult assignments brings a lot of laurels at work. A promising week to plan things for your progeny. Long-term investment would enable to make substantial gains. Romance is likely to intensify through recreational activities & entertainment. Cutting down the number of parties and pleasure jaunts would help in keeping in good mood. Implementation of new ideas to travel will be beneficiary for you on work front. Purchasing official accessories can lead to improve growth of your office. Polite behavior brings you into contact with important personalities.
Chandigarh, India: +91-172- 256 2832, 257 2874 Delhi, India: +91-11- 2644 9898, 2648 9899 psharma@premastrologer.com; www.premastrologer.com
Annual Predictions: For those born in this week

26th April, 2014 Ruled planet: Saturn Ruled by no: 8 Traits in you: Your ruling planet Saturn makes you humble, honest, focused, practical, realistic and enthusiastic. You are blessed with enormous talent and imagination. Along with the positive characters in you, there are some negative aspects in your nature. You need to work on your nature of being envious, unreliable, and indiscipline. Health this year: Your health will remain good throughout the year. You need to take utmost care of your health to maintain it and remain fit. The health of your family members might be a concern for you this year. Try and avoid your bad habits and start practicing yoga for the betterment of your health. Finance this year: You will be among major financial gains this year. You may go for a real estate transaction later this year and this will bring you a lot of money to cherish. You may start up a new business. If you are already into business, you may plan for expanding its territory this year. Career this year: Your interest and enthusiasm to perform will make you an extraordinary performer in your professional circuit. You will be respected and rewarded for your work. You need to take the leadership responsibility to cement your position in your organization. Romance this year: You may try and convert your long time romantic relationship to a married one. You will be enjoying a great life with your spouse with lots of understanding, love, and care. You need not get into any kind of argument with your beloved this year. Lucky month: April, July, November and December 27th April, 2014 Ruled planet: Mars Ruled by no: 9 Traits in you: Being influenced by Mars, you are believed to be the master of a charismatic personality. You are courteous, courageous, energetic, realistic, modest, and responsive. You follow religion very keenly. However, you have few problems in your attitude and that needs to be worked on for the betterment of your individuality. Health this year: Though you would not face any major health related issues, you should take extra care of your health. Do not take unwanted risk of putting your health in stake. Go for regular medical checkups. Finance this year: You will be among major financial gains this year. You may go for a real estate transaction later this year and this will bring you a lot of money to cherish. You may start up a new business. If you are already into business, you may plan for expanding its territory this year. Career this year: You will be over ambitious as far as your career goals are concerned. Take time to plan your career. Do not be in a hurry for a job change. You will improve your skills and expertise. You will find your work pretty interesting and it will give you the job satisfaction you wanted. Romance this year: Your marital life will go on smoothly with the gradually growing understanding between you and your spouse. You will get enough support from your partner whenever you are in a problem. If you are yet to marry, you may need to wait for another year. Lucky month: May, June, August and January 28th April, 2014 Ruled planet: Sun Ruled by no: 1 Traits in you: Being governed by the Sun, you are endowed with uniqueness and philosophy. You are courageous, daring, courteous, affectionate, decisive, and very determined. You need to work on your impatience and short tempered nature. Health this year: Your overall health would remain fine this year. Some of the aged members in your family may fall sick frequently to add your woes. You need to take care of your family members by providing them better medical attention. Finance this year: Your past investments may yield a lot of money for you this year. You need to be extra cautions while investing huge amounts as it is a bit risky to put money on unpredictable things. Overall, you will enjoy a strong financial condition. Career this year: Your confidence and hard work will help you earn a lot of money and you will be able to expand your business as well. You may go ahead investing on anything you want as this year is pretty rewarding for you. Your past legal disputes will get resolved this year and give you enough opportunity to make money. Romance this year: Your spouse will be supportive enough throughout the year in crucial times. You can rely on your partner for any kind of support may be financial or emotional. You should get married this year as this is the best time for you. Lucky month: July, November, December and February 29th April, 2014 Ruled planet: Moon Ruled by no: 2 Traits in you: As you are influenced by the Moon, you are confident, emotional, imaginative, simple, creative, courteous, and warm hearted. You can easily make friends because of your nature so you enjoy enormous respect amongst your friends. You should control your mood swings and you should not be lazy. Health this year: You may enjoy a great health this year. However, that does not mean you will start neglecting your health. You need to take care of your diet and nutrition to maintain a good health. You may practice some exercises to remain fit. Finance this year: You may go through sudden gains and losses this year. However, you will be capable enough to find out the source to earn ample amount of money. Your financial condition will be improved for a long term. If you are into business, you may enhance your business to gain better profits. You should invest in real estate this year as the chances of return are high. Career this year: Being an efficient professional, you are highly respected in your professional circuit. Your ordinates and seniors may take advice from you. You may get your long expected promotion this year. Salary hike is also likely to happen. Romance this year: You will share a good relationship with your spouse. You may decide to turn your relationship into marriage if you are not married yet. However, you need to understand your beloved and provide the required emotional support for the betterment of your relationship. Lucky month: June, September, December and February 30th April, 2014 Ruled planet: Jupiter Ruled by no: 3 Traits in you: Being ruled by Jupiter, you are courteous, courageous, decisive, ambitious, disciplined, and realistic. You are gifted with high imagination power, optimism, and enthusiasm. However, behaving restless and dominating may hamper your characteristics at times. You need to work on your personality to make yourself better as an individual. Health this year: You need to stop your bad habits such as smoking and consuming alcohol to remain healthy. You should take expert advice from a doctor to avoid health related issues. You should take your medicines at time to avoid further complicacy in your health. Take care of the health of your spouse and parents as well. Finance this year: You will be in ample financial gains this year. Your new business ventures will be successful this year. You should go for new partnerships and businesses as your star favors your luck this year. You may go for investments in any sector. Do not spend unnecessarily in luxury and comfort. Career this year: You will get enough opportunities in your professional life to prove yourself. You will create a better impression on your seniors or higher management, which may result in promotion. You should work efficiently to maintain your respect at your workspace. Romance this year: Your romantic life will become stagnant this year as you may not give enough time to your beloved. If you are unmarried and planning to marry this year, it may not happen because of the negative movements of your stars and planets. Lucky month: May, July, November and January 1st May, 2014 Ruled planet Sun Ruled by no: 1 Traits in you: Your ruling planet, the Sun blesses you with a unique character. You are pretty confident, creative, intellectual, optimistic, and enthusiastic. You are gifted with an artistic perception. You are very much social and like to make new contacts wherever you go. However, you need to control your mood swings and selfishness. Health this year: You may go through a very bad patch as far as your health is concerned this year. You may fall sick frequently with minor diseases like fever, cough, cold, body pain, and so on. You should take care of your health by taking proper medication. Finance this year: If you are well educated and employed, you may find yourself in huge monetary benefits this year. You might get favors from government officials to get your work done, which will earn you a lot of money. You may go for investments in various sectors as it may prove to be profitable for you. Career this year: You are quite capable of taking wise decisions. So your colleagues may seek you help in taking critical decisions. You will excel as an efficient employee and this might bring you a promotion or salary hike. Your confidence, hard work, and dedication will help you obtain success in every project assigned to you. Romance this year: You may go for a romantic relationship this year if you are yet to be in one. If you are married, you will enjoy a good time with your spouse. You may plan for marriage if you are still unmarried. You should plan for a long holiday with your partner to give time to each other. Lucky month: May, September, February and March 2nd May, 2014 Ruled planet: Moon Ruled by no: 2 Traits in you: Being influenced by the Moon, you are creative, simple, reliable, intelligent, hardworking, and very social. You are a very efficient in your work. However, you need to control your attitude of being rude and pessimistic. Health this year: Your health will remain fine. However, you may suffer from various minor diseases say cough, cold, body pain, loss of sleep and so on. To enjoy a very healthy life, you need to get a good control on your diet. You have to stay away from alcohol and cigarettes to avoid any organ dysfunction. Finance this year: You may go through a moderate financial condition this year. You past investments may not bring you expected results. You may get minimal return from your fixed savings and that would not make you secure financially. You should not lend money to anyone during this year as you may feel the requirement of money at any point of time. Career this year: Being a hardworking professional, you are well capable of performing the best. However, you need to be very selective and cautious if you plan to make a move for your career. You may go for a new job opportunity. You may see many ups and downs in your career as you may struggle to get things right for yourself. Romance this year: Your marital life will go on smoothly with the gradually growing understanding between you and your spouse. You will get enough support from your partner whenever you are in a problem. If you are yet to marry, you may need to wait for another year. Lucky month: June, November, December and January
30
SPIRITUAL AWARENESS
The power of attention

Most religions believe that there are higher regions of existence to which the soul goes after it dies. Scientists and doctors have tried to verify this by documenting accounts of people who were declared clinically dead but had near-death experiences and described something beyond this world. The question is, where are these realms? They are not zones in outer space delineated by borders. All these realms exist concurrently with this one. The reason we are not aware of them is because they operate on a different frequency or vibration. The saints and mystics tell us that we have the choice to either stay tuned to this physical world, or to tune into the channels of God. God wants us to watch Gods programming. God is available twenty-four hours of the day, three hundred sixty-five days a year. Gods programming does not turn off at three a.m. like some networks do. It is a free station broadcasting all the time without any cable fees. We only need to know how to tune into Gods station. The hook-up to God is not hard. It is just a matter of making the choice that this is what we want to do. The steps to do this are simple. Step one is to stop identifying with the body, mind, and world outside, and identify with the soul. Step two requires that when we identify with our soul that we shift our attention to the frequency of the higher realms and ultimately to God. That is all we must do. God did not make it hard for us to become aware of our true Home. It is we who have made it complicated. So how do we accomplish step one and step two? To accomplish step one, we must withdraw our attention from our body, mind, and the world outside. We must decide to turn off the outer programming. When that programming is in the off mode, then in the silence we will experience ourselves as soul. That is the step that we call selfknowledge. Once we identify with the soul, we will be able to pick up have just been there and back. He was showing that the shift of attention from the physical realm to Sach Khand could be done in the twinkling of an eye. Why? Because we are not going anywhere physically. We are merely shifting our attention from one state of consciousness to the other. The other state of consciousness does not sitting in meditation. If we meditate accurately we will experience ourselves as soul. Once we identify with the soul, then we will also be aware of the inner Light and Sound that is the radiance and vibratory sound of God within us. If we absorb ourselves in the Light and Sound within, we can then attain step two. We can shift our attention into the Light and Sound, which attracts our soul to higher levels of vibration. The Light and Sound function at different vibratory rates in the different regions. As we shift our attention we find ourselves conscious of being in the different regions. Ultimately, the Light and Sound function at their highest vibratory rate, which is the power of God itself. When we shift our attention to that, we have come to the state of consciousness where we are at one with God and merge with God. It is simply a matter of choosing where we want to put our attention. That is the true meaning of the anecdote about Bulleh Shah and Inayat Shah. When Bulleh Shah asked his Master, Inayat Shah (who was a gardener by profession), How can I find God? Inayat Shah pulled up a plant and replanted it in another place. When Bulleh Shah questioned what that demonstration meant, Inayat Shah said, To find God it is merely uprooting your attention from one place and planting it in another place. That is the simplicity of spirituality. God did not make things complicated. It is simple. It is only we who have to choose to transplant the flower of our attention from the world into Gods garden.
By Sant Rajinder Singh Ji Maharaj

soul is sent to a life in the human body for a certain period of time. During that time the soul is confined in the human form like a prison cell. When the soul inhabits a body, the soul is still a part of God and is still one with God. The soul, however, is now overpowered by some very powerful forces, such as the mind, the body, and the outer world, which cause the soul, over time, to forget itself. The soul slowly begins to identify itself with the body and mind and world outside. It suddenly begins to think that it can only receive information from the outer world through the senses. Thus, the soul has become attuned to only one channelthe channel of the world. If we think about our life as watching a television program, we have multiple choices as to what to watch. Just as there are a dozen network stations and then dozens if not hundreds of cable stations from which to choose, so, too, there are many activities in this world that we can engage in. Now, let us take a look at the other choices available to us. This physical planet is not a separate offshoot from all of creation and God.
If we meditate accurately we will experience ourselves as soul. Once we identify with the soul, then we will also be aware of the inner Light and Sound that is the radiance and vibratory sound of God within us.
frequencies that the soul is capable of receiving. We can do a gradual shift in which we go from the consciousness of one region to consciousness of the spiritual realms. Once someone asked the great saint, Hazur Baba Sawan Singh Ji Maharaj, how long it took to get from here (the physical region) to Sach Khand (the highest spiritual region). Hazur closed his eyes, and then opened them. He told them, I exist in time or space. They are operating concurrently. We are simultaneously in the other realms and in God at the same time but we are not aware of it because our attention is only focused on one regionthe physical. So, for step one, the Masters who have learned to be attuned to the realm of God, teach us that we can withdraw our attention from the world, the body, and the mind by
Sant Rajinder Singh Ji Maharaj shares message of meditation in Australian Parliament
n April 2 renowned spiritual Master, Sant Rajinder Singh Ji Maharaj, head of Science of Spirituality, spoke at the Parliament in Western Australia to share his message of meditation. Meeting with the members of the legislative assembly, including the minister of Energy, Citizenship, and Multicultural Affairs, Sant Rajinder Singh Ji Maharaj was asked to share the value of meditation for improving physical health, mental performance, and for staying calm and peaceful amidst the stresses of daily life. One minister who had listened to Sant Rajinder Singh Ji Maharajs DVDs and read his recently released book, Meditation as Medication for the Soul, was particularly interested in the many benefits of meditation.
The lively discussion and enthusiastic response by the parliamentarians to Sant Rajinder Singh Ji Maharajs message about spirituality underscores the fact that meditation has become popular with people from all segments of society. One of the group mentioned that while waiting to welcome Sant Rajinder Singh Ji Maharaj, he was summoned to the parliament to vote on an issue. When the other members of the legislative assembly learned that Sant Rajinder Singh Ji Maharaj was a renowned meditation teacher, they commented: Meditation--hope this calms down the other members of parliament! One concern voiced was that with the stress involved, often people say things in the heat of the moment without considering their choice of words. One member asked if medi-
tation could help create a calmer environment and aid in more peaceful discussions when enacting new legislation. Sant Rajinder Singh Ji Maharaj said if even one person begins to meditate, the peace it brings to that individual radiates to others, and over time it will have an effect and create a more peaceful atmosphere. The members of Parliament were impressed with how multicultural Science of Spirituality is. Sant Rajinder Singh Ji Maharaj explained that meditation helps us see that all people are one at the level of soul. When we see that, we treat others with love and respect. To a question by the chairman of the Law Committee about the stress-reducing effects of meditation and the contribution it makes in work and home life, Sant Rajinder
Singh Ji Maharaj explained that meditation is nourishment for the soul and puts us at peace. In replying to a question on how we can be more loving and kind to our spouses, the spiritual Master spoke of the importance of having a harmonious family life. He said when we have had a disagreement with our spouse, it effects us throughout our day. He stressed the importance of working things out harmoniously and said over time meditation will have its effect on us and our environment. One of the parliamentarians told Sant Rajinder Singh Ji Maharaj how much he learned from his book about the effect meditation has on our physical and mental well-being. The spiritual Master pointed out that doctors and scientists are now proving through scientific research
how meditation can reduce stressrelated illnesses such as heart disease and stroke. It also can enhance our learning and performance. The warm discussion concluded with thanks from the group. One said, "Thank you for coming here and blessing us. It is wonderful to have you here. I cannot find the right words to express how happy we are you have come here. They then presented Sant Rajinder Singh Ji Maharaj with a beautifully framed Award of Honor, in which the parliament thanked him for his visit. After leaving Perth, Sant Rajinder Singh Ji Maharaj continued on his tour of Australia and New Zealand, giving public talks and meditation sittings in Sydney, Adelaide, Melbourne and Auckland. His schedule is listed on www.sos.org.

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The South Asian Times

Obama reaffirms commitment to ally Japan

BJP claims a Modi tsunami

Indians, Asians fast becoming politically relevant in US

110 million more voted on Thursday

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for Gov Cuomos re-election campaign

A contrite Sant Chatwal after pleading guilty.

Indian-American CPA barred from promoting tax scheme

Vaisakhi celebrated at the Consulate

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Vinod Khoslas daughters ex charged with extortion

Modi a threat to democracy, say Indian-origin academics

April 26-May 2, 2014

Montek advises a broad continuation of policies to the new govt

International Jain Sangh celebrates Mahavir Jayanti with religious fervor

100 Punjabi youths still detained for illegal entry

Are You a Spiritual Person?

Hate crime charge against Columbia professor's attacker

DATE AND TIME:

New Jersey Performing Arts Center 1 Center Street, Newark, NJ 07172

April 26-May 2, 2014

Dr Sandhya Malhotra seeks support for MSCQ board elections

NYSPA elects Seeth Vivek as new President

IACFNJs Spring Color Festival in South Brunswick on May 18

New Hindu Temple coming up in West Chester

April 26-May 2, 2014

Prof Rajendra Singh conferred "Solar Champion of Change" award

Chet Kanojias Aereo vs top US broadcasters battle heats up

A new player challenges Nikki Haley in South Carolina

John Travolta to attend IIFA

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April 26-May 2, 2014

Domestic Harmony Foundations annual fundraiser gala on May 4

Xoom launches Instant Deposit Service to HDFC bank accounts in India

Dr Pawan Kumar Jain indicted for causing death of two patients

This novel chemistry kit for kids worth experimenting with!

National Campaign launched to raise Sikh visibility, change perception

April 26-May 2, 2014

Obama travels to Asia as disasters complicate mission

Indophile and Prince Charles brother-in-law dies after fall in NY

US Supreme Court favors ban on affirmative action

Teen stowaway's father says Allah protected son

New house sales tumble, hint at weak market

April 26-May 2, 2014

110 million vote, BJP says it's 'Modi tsunami'

Varanasi comes to a halt as Modi juggernaut rolls

Modi, Kejriwal among Time's 100 influential people

April 26-May 2, 2014

BJP spokesperson Nirmala Sitharaman

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra campaigning in Rae Bareli

April 26-May 2, 2014

Kejriwal files nomination, attacks Modi, Rahul

AAP leader addressing the masses after filing his nomination.

Mulayam no hero for Mainpuri's young

Samajwadi Party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav

Harvesting season worries grip Punjab leaders

April 26-May 2, 2014

Why India should vote to install Modi as PM

April 26-May 2, 2014

Varanasi basks in its importance, ignores 'waves'